ASPCA Arrests Manhattan Man for Biting Head Off Pet Rooster

NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) arrested Humberto Rodriguez, 54, of Manhattan this afternoon for biting the head off his pet rooster.  He is charged with one count of animal cruelty, punishable by up to one year in prison and/or a $1,000 fine.

On June 29, 2006 the ASPCA received a complaint of a dead rooster near Mr. Rodriguez’s residence at 506 West 213th Street.  ASPCA Special Agents responded and found a beheaded adult rooster on Mr. Rodriguez’s second floor fire escape. The rooster’s head could not be found.  Agents brought the rooster to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for examination, and veterinarians determined that the rooster also suffered two broken wings.

ASPCA Special Agent Joseph Lemos arrested Mr. Rodriguez, 54, near his residence. 

The Humane Law Enforcement Department of the ASPCA is the only law enforcement agency in New York solely dedicated to investigating crimes against the city’s animal population.  Founded in 1866, The ASPCA was the first humane organization established in the Western Hemisphere and today has one million supporters. The ASPCA’s mission is to provide an effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides national leadership in humane education, government affairs and public policy, shelter support, and animal poison control. The NYC headquarters houses a full-service animal hospital, animal behavior center and adoption facility. Visit www.aspca.org for more information.