Richmond Hill man indicted for animal abuse

Richmond Hill resident Andrew Cato is facing animal abuse charges after officials found more than two dozen “pitbull-like” dogs forced to live in squalor. Photo via ASPCA

By Rachel Vick

A Richmond Hill man has been charged with nearly 100 counts of animal cruelty-related charges after officials found 27 dogs living in various degrees of neglect.

Andrew Cato, 59, allegedly kept the animals in “dungeon like” conditions and bred them for fighting.

“Pets and animals are meant to be protected and nurtured. In Queens, I will hold accountable those who choose to abuse them instead,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “The animals have now been rescued from the deplorable conditions the defendant allegedly subjected them to and can no longer be bred for dogfighting.”

The 92 count indictment includes three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, 35 counts of prohibition of animal fighting, 27 counts of failure to provide proper food and drink to impounded animals and 27 counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals and failure to provide sustenance.

An NYPD officer found the dogs inside a garage, living in waste-covered, fly-invested cages in spaces with little to no ventilation. None of the dogs’ enclosures had clean water.

ASPCA veterinary and behavior experts found that every single dog was suffering discomfort due to a variety of medical issues including damaged coats from inadequate grooming and injuries consistent with dog fighting.

They are currently in the care of the organization for treatment and care.

“These dogs were in a horrific environment,” said ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Vice President Howard Lawrence. “Animal cruelty – including dogfighting – happens every day in every corner of the country, and we are committed to stopping this form of barbaric abuse and helping animals in crisis.”

Cato returns to court on Sept. 8 and faces up to four years in prison.