Man Duct-Taped 'Defenseless’ Dog’s Face And Legs, NYC DA Says

BROOKLYN, NY — A Brooklyn man has been arrested and charged after allegedly duct-taping a pit bull’s snout, eyes, and legs — and keeping five dogs in filthy conditions inside a van, police said.

Kristopher Fyffe, 38, was arraigned Tuesday night on charges including overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, failure to provide sustenance, and two counts of menacing, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.

Prosecutors said that around 6 p.m. on Aug. 23, Fyffe was seen on 133rd Avenue near Gwen Ifill Park in Locust Manor wrapping duct tape around a white and tan pit bull’s snout, eyes, front legs, and back legs.

When confronted by a witness and another individual, Fyffe allegedly pulled out a knife and waved it at them. The pair immediately called police and recorded the incident, later posting the video on social media, officials said.

A woman who saw the video on social media recognized Fyffe and told police she had seen him driving a Honda Odyssey with out-of-state plates, where multiple dogs appeared to be living inside the vehicle, Katz said.

A few days later, Fyffe was spotted driving near 134th Road and Bedell Street, police said.

A computer check revealed the vehicle’s plates didn’t match its registration, prompting officers to stop him. Inside the van, police found five kennels, each housing a pit bull. The kennels were reportedly covered in feces and urine and had no clean water or food, authorities said.

Prosecutors added that a forensic veterinarian with the ASPCA reviewed photos and videos of the taped dog and stated that such restraints would have caused significant pain and suffering, including tissue pressure, restricted blood flow and additional discomfort during tape removal.

"Our gratitude also extends to our partner Animal Care Centers of NYC, who provided medical treatment for the four dogs found in unsanitary conditions, and will be transferring those dogs to the ASPCA’s care for ongoing treatment," ASPCA Vice President of Humane Law Enforcement Howard Lawrence said. "The fifth dog — who was allegedly bound with duct tape by the defendant — is in stable condition and receiving medical care at ASPCA facilities in Manhattan."

The case is not eligible for bail under New York state law, officials said.

The DA requested supervised release, which Judge Lana Schlesinger approved, scheduling Fyffe’s next court appearance for Nov. 13. If convicted, he faces up to two years in prison.