45 Dogs Rescued From Poor Conditions In Queens Home, Man Charged: DA

QUEENS — A man from Broad Channel stands accused of animal cruelty by keeping 45 dogs and puppies in deplorable conditions inside his home, the Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.

Fred Thomson, 69, was arraigned on Tuesday on animal cruelty charges after police found the dachshund-like dogs covered in feces and urine, with dirty haircoats, overgrown nails, and presenting with gum disease inside Thomson’s home on Nov. 16, prosecutors said.

Thomson faces up to one year in jail if convicted, Katz said.

A complaint about a strong smell coming from the residence prompted police to search the home, where they also found multiple white mattresses stained brown from excrement and completely chewed through, the district attorney said.

The dogs are now under the care of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, where they are undergoing medical care to prepare them for adoption, prosecutors said.

Thomson is scheduled to come back to court on Feb. 6, 2023, Katz said.