By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-07-30 18:41:14 | Updated at 2026-07-30 19:26:55
1 hour ago
It was these chicks’ plucky day.
Dozens of sad-looking chickens and baby peeps were rescued from “torturous conditions” in a Long Island, officials said — thanks to a kitchen fire that could’ve fried the whole place.
Westbury resident Victor Xu, 44, was busted Tuesday after officers responding to the fire in his home found 66 emaciated and dehydrated chickens stuffed into cages — with 60 chicks so small they were “still peeping,” said John Di Leonardo, executive director of Humane Long Island.
“[This was a] crazy case,” one police officer told The Post.
It wasn’t clear if the sad chickens were intended to end up on a plate — but Humane Long Island is now egg-cited to get the fowls out of their foul conditions and into new homes.
“Our team has been working around the clock to provide these survivors with veterinary care, nutritious food, clean housing, warmth and the comfort they were denied,” Di Leonardo said.
“Once medically cleared, all 66 chickens will be available for adoption into companion-only homes where they will be cherished, never exploited,” he added.
Xu was charged with 66 counts of torturing or injuring animals, one for each chicken, as well as a charge for failing to provide sustenance, police said.
He was issued a desk appearance ticket and released. He’s due back in court on Aug. 10, police said.
