Megan O’Donnell Division Chief of the Criminal Investigations Division and the District Court and Intake Division | Official Website
Megan O’Donnell Division Chief of the Criminal Investigations Division and the District Court and Intake Division | Official Website
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the arrest of Munim Raghid, 26, from Ronkonkoma on January 2, 2025. The arrest was made by the District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST). Raghid faces charges of animal cruelty and four counts of criminal contempt in the second degree.
Previously charged with animal cruelty in December 2024 for neglecting a Kangal Shepherd, Raghid was ordered by Judge Evan Zuckerman not to possess any animals during prosecution. Despite this order, BEAST investigators allegedly found him with three additional Kangal Shepherds, including two puppies. One puppy was severely injured when discovered.
District Attorney Tierney stated: “I created my BEAST investigative team for a reason. We will pursue every act of animal cruelty reported to us and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”
The investigation began after a Good Samaritan found an injured puppy on New Year's Eve. The puppy appeared to have been hit by a car and could not use its legs. It was taken to Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists where it was diagnosed with severe injuries. The Good Samaritan traced the puppy back to Raghid's residence.
Raghid allegedly retrieved the injured puppy from the veterinary center against medical advice just before midnight on New Year's Eve. When BEAST investigators attempted to access his home on New Year's Day but were denied entry, they returned with a search warrant and recovered three animals including the injured puppy.
The defendant is accused of allowing the puppy to suffer without adequate veterinary care for what was later determined as a fractured pelvis and leg fractures requiring extensive surgery.
Raghid has been charged with one count of animal cruelty and four counts of criminal contempt in violation of Judge Zuckerman’s court order. He is set for arraignment on January 3, 2025.
Both puppies were surrendered at seizure time and are available for adoption through the Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter after necessary rehabilitative surgery for one.
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