Nassau Couple Charged After Man Kills 2 Puppies: DA

A Mineola couple was arrested on animal cruelty charges on Wednesday after authorities say that the husband beat two puppies to death just days after getting them, and then nearly killed a third.

Ellie Knoller, 29, was charged with three counts of cruelty to animals and three counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals. He was released on his own recognizance, surrendered his passport and is due back in court on June 3. If convicted of the top charge, he could face up to two years in prison.

His wife, Jessica Kuncman, also known as Jessica Knoller, 30, was charged with one count of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals. She also surrendered her passport and is due back in court on June 3. She faces up to one year in prison if convicted.

“Three healthy puppies suffered horrific injuries while they were under the care and control of these defendants,” said Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas. “Sadly, these animals can’t testify about the unconscionable suffering that they endured, but their blunt force and neck trauma injuries tell a gruesome story, and we are committed to seeking justice on their behalf. This is an ongoing investigation and we encourage anyone who may information about these dogs or their injuries to contact our Animal Crimes Unit at 516-571-7755.”

According to Singas, the couple adopted a 10- to 12-week-old male Shepherd mix named Tucker from a local pet adoption agency on Feb. 8. By Feb. 17, the puppy was dead of a ruptured kidney. Singas said that Ellie Knoller inflicted blunt-force trauma on the dog that ruptured the dog's kidney, causing it to suffer internal bleeding and die.

On Feb. 18, Singas said that the couple purchased a 10- to 12-week-old male Goldendoodle puppy named Cooper from a breeder in Pennsylvania. On Feb. 20, Singas said that Ellie Knoller brought the puppy to Garden City Veterinary Care in cardiac and respiratory arrest. By the time the vet was able to get to the dog, it was already dead.

An examination determined the dog's cause of death to be from a lacerated liver, which authorities say Ellie Knoller caused by beating it. The wound caused fatal internal bleeding.

Singas said that the first two incidents came to light after an investigation which was sparked when the couple brought a "lethargic and lifeless" 11-week-old female Goldendoodle puppy named Bella to Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center of Westbury on Feb. 27.

An examination by veterinarians found that Bella had multiple fractured ribs, brusing on her lungs, bleeding behind her eyes and a broken leg. The dog required surgery, including the insertion of a metal rod, repair to her leg and now has a steel plate to hold the bones in place while they heal.

Singas said that Ellie Knoller beat the dog and inflicted the injuries.

“Practically beaten to death, it’s difficult to imagine someone could harm such a sweet little dog, but that is what happened to Bella, beaten and choked, leaving her with several broken ribs, her forearm broken in two places and a pulmonary contusion," said Nassau County SPCA President Gary Rogers. "It’s a miracle this little girl is alive and recovering, two other dogs were not so lucky. After 35 years of animal crimes investigations, I have never seen a case like this. To injure the internal organs of a dog takes a large amount of blunt force and great trauma, one could only imagine the suffering these dogs endured. It is said that a society is judged by the way we treat animals, thankfully in Nassau County, the Nassau County District Attorney and Nassau County SPCA make sure they are treated properly. Animal crimes are not tolerated.”

Bella is still recovering from her injuries and has been seized and is under the care of the Nassau County SPCA.

Singas said that the couple received Bella after complaining to the breeder that Cooper had unexpectedly died. She is from the same litter.

Jessica Kuncman is charged because Singas said that she failed to take Bella for veterinary care for approximately 15 hours after the puppy first appeared to be in pain, which caused unjustifiable suffering.

Bella is now in the care of the Nassau County SPCA. She is receiving the medical care she needs. Anyone who wishes to donate to the organization to help pay for her treatment can do so by clicking here.