A Queens judge could decide the fate of three dogs seized from a cruel sicko who was caught on camera duct-taping his pooch’s mouth and eyes shut.
Kristopher Fyffe was arrested on animal cruelty charges in August after a witness spotted him allegedly wrapping his pup’s mug in the thick tape at Gwen Ilfill Park.
Authorities said Fyffe, 38, crammed five canines into filthy crates in the back of a van, and arrested him on animal cruelty charges while seizing the animals, court records show.
One of the animals was later euthanized due to aggression, while Fyffe surrendered another of the dogs to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which adopted it out, a spokesperson said.
A hearing scheduled for Wednesday in Queens Criminal Court could determine who takes legal ownership of the remaining dogs, which are being cared for by the ASPCA.
But in the meantime, an apparent rumor that authorities were considering returning the animals to Fyffe sparked social media outrage.
NYC Second Chance Rescue called for a protest at the hearing opposing any effort to give Fyffe the dogs.
“Show up on January 28th and let @queensdakatz know that this monster should not get his dogs back!” the group posted on Instagram.
“I don’t quite understand how the ASPCA would make any kind of deal with this guy, given the fact that he was blatantly, in a public place, duct taping his animals,” said Jennifer Brooks, president of NYC Second Chance Rescue.
The ASPCA and the Queens District Attorney denied any intention to return the animals to their accused abuser.
“… in this case, it was agreed that was not an appropriate pathway for these dogs given the allegations in the case,” an ASPCA spokesperson said of the claim the dogs could be returned to Fyffe.
“The ASPCA has since conducted a security hearing in regard to the legal ownership of the dogs and is awaiting a decision from the court.”
Queens DA Melinda Katz’s office agreed.
“We categorically and vehemently oppose returning abused animals to their alleged tormentors,” they said in a statement. “We are pursuing our prosecution of this defendant to make sure that doesn’t happen.
“These animals deserve to live the remainder of their lives in peace, far away from their alleged abuser. These animals have suffered unspeakable abuse, which is why our office filed an 11-count criminal complaint against the defendant.”
The animals were found with painful skin conditions, feces in their too-small crates and urine filled water bowls, according to court documents.
A lawyer for Fyffe did not return a call seeking comment.
