West Hempstead Man Sentenced in Dog Fighting Case

A West Hempstead man received probation is barred from owning pets for several years as part of his sentencing in a dog fighting case, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.

Hector Hernandez, 27, was sentenced Tuesday to three years of probation, 35 house of community service upfront, and pay a $1,200 fine, the DA said. Hernandez was also forbidden from owning pets for the next five years and agree to spot checks in addition to signing up for Nassau County’s Animal Crimes Registry, the DA said.

Hernandez pleaded guilty in August to two counts of animal cruelty and two counts of animal fighting, the DA said.

After receiving a tip through the DA’s Animal Crimes tip line, investigators went to Hernandez’s home and found eight caged pit bulls in a shed, chickens, and one rabbit, the DA said. Officials also discovered dog fighting equipment, including chains, a treadmill, and a dog tether.

Two of the dogs, Roja and Nana, had fresh bite marks on their bodies while the six others were kept in poor living conditions, officials said.

Hernandez was located and charged on Jan. 17.

Photo: Hector Hernandez|Credit: NCDA