Reuban Phillips Of Hempstead Accused Of Dog Fighting, Animal Cruelty
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - A Hempstead man stands accused of dog fighting and animal cruelty, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.
Reuban Phillips, 33, was charged with two counts of overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals and failure to provide property sustenance and one count of prohibition of animal fighting, all misdemeanors.
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Philips is accused of abusing two pit bulls at his home, one of which, named Snow, was allegedly found dead in the backyard.
The other, named Rahman, was found severely malnourished and covered with scars, prosecutors said. His ribs, hips, and pelvic bones were visible through his coat, and he had numerous raw and untreated wounds on his ears and neck.
Rahman will be put up for adoption at some point in the future.
Phillips' attorney told Hall that his client did not live in the house.
When Philips entered court, Hall reported that he did not act like a man in trouble, as he was smiling and waving to the TV news cameras outside.
Philips was released on $2,500 bail. He is due back in court on June 22 and faces up to two years behind bars if convicted.
The Nassau County District Attorney's Office said Phillips has an extensive criminal history, including a number of convictions for drug possession.
Anyone who believes that an animal is being abused or neglected is encouraged to call the Nassau County Animal Crimes Unit hotline at 516-571-ACHL(2245). Callers can be kept anonymous.
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