A farmer has been charged with neglecting 25 animals he kept at his Old Westbury property, county prosecutors said.
Michael Dombek, the owner of Dombek’s Old Westbury Farm, was charged with 25 misdemeanor counts of Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance. He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance on Tuesday.
“Our investigators found these defenseless animals with ribs showing from malnutrition, infected hooves from filthy living conditions, and water covered in slime,” acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said.
“Thankfully, with the help of the Nassau County SPCA, veterinarians, and our Animal Crimes Unit, they will get the care they need, and this defendant will be held accountable for this outrageous neglect,” she added.
Dombek’s attorney, Howard B. Arber of Hempstead, could not immediately be reached for comment.
Upon receiving complaints about the farm from residents, investigators from the district attorney’s office made several visits to the farm, including a surprise visit on Tuesday in which prosecutors said seven horses, three donkeys, eight goats, one sheep, two geese, two rabbits and two dogs were found to be living in poor and unsafe conditions.
The animals were then evaluated by a veterinarian, and five were seized by investigators for more intensive medical care.
The farm’s living quarters are also being cleaned, and prosecutors said the remaining animals will be supervised, fed and sheltered using the county’s asset forfeiture funds.
“Today is a day long in coming,” Bob Sowers, spokesman for the Nassau County SPCA, said. “I applaud the efforts of the District Attorney’s office and am extremely pleased that we will closely monitor the care of the remaining animals.”
Dombek faces one year in prison if convicted on the top charge.
