December 9, 2022
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Tomorrow is International Animal Rights Day, a time to celebrate and recommit ourselves to protecting the rights of our furry friends. The campaign is shared with Human Rights Day because animals are voiceless members of our community deserving of care and respect as much as humans.

Ensuring their well-being is a key focus for my administration. Just this week, I announced animal cruelty charges, 90 counts to be exact, against an individual accused of failing to provide proper care and sustenance to 45 dogs and puppies living inside his single-family home.

In my time as the District Attorney, I have seen far too many cases of cruelty to animals, who feel pain and suffer distress much in the same way people do. Earlier this year, I authored an op-ed in the Law Journal discussing the dire need for stronger animal cruelty penalties in our state. Polls reveal that almost 70% of U.S. households have a companion creature, and that most households with pets consider them to be family members. Unfortunately, New York’s criminal statutes currently treat those who damage property more harshly than those who commit brutal acts of violence against animals.

However, my Office will continue to use all tools at our disposal to hold accountable those who choose to neglect or torture defenseless animals in Queens County. If you suspect a case of animal abuse, call 911 or 311. Our Animal Cruelty Prosecution Unit works hand in hand with first responders to hold perpetrators accountable.
In Friendship,

Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
Select Cases of Interest
  • DA Katz secures guilty plea and restitution in union membership cash con
  • Queens man sentenced to life in prison for Far Rockaway murder
  • Defendant sentenced to prison for fatal stabbing following baby christening party
  • Brooklyn man pleads guilty to manslaughter in rock attack on woman in corona
World AIDS Day
In observance of World AIDS Day, I joined the AIDS Center of Queens County (ACQC) to discuss our shared goal towards an AIDS-free global generation. This day serves as a reminder that HIV has not gone away and that there remains a vital need to increase awareness, fight prejudice, and improve education throughout all facets of public life.

Since 1986, ACQC has grown to become the largest provider of HIV/AIDS services in the County of Queens. They are a vital partner in securing the welfare and safety of all Borough residents. 
Power Women of Queens
It was a special privilege to attend the Queens Power Women Meet & Greet, hosted by Victoria Schneps, to honor the incredible women leaders in our community. Never in the history of our City have women held so many positions of power.
 
We now have greater power to lead, to help others, to help steer our communities towards safety and fairness. Most importantly, for women in power like myself, we have this deep sense of responsibility to uplift and hand power over to the next generation of women leaders in this Borough and the City. 

I thank Vicki Schneps for hosting this event to honor our accomplishments and commemorate our future goals for Queens and beyond.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 32
Our veterans deserve to be honored year round. I took the opportunity recently to attend a Holiday Party hosted by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 32 in Maspeth recently.

May this holiday season bring our veterans joy, warmth and time spent with loved ones.
Community Board 10
Community-centered approach to prosecution means going out and speaking directly to the residents we serve. I want to make sure that my Office is accessible and responsive to the many different needs of this Borough.

For that reason, I attended the December meeting for Community Board 10, during which I discussed the latest initiatives and current prosecutions being handled by this Office. I thank the Board Chair and District Manager for having me speak.
Student Achievements in Ozone Park
The Youth Empowerment Unit in my Office recently took the time to visit M.S. 137 America’s School of Heroes in Ozone Park, along with local elected officials and community leaders.

It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our students while learning about their many scholastic achievements.
Holiday Scams
When shopping during the holiday season - or any time of the year - always be mindful of the potential for scams. Fraudsters will take advantage of any opportunity to separate you from your money. Do your part to avoid becoming a victim.

If you need help, reach out to our Frauds Bureau at 718-286-6673 or Frauds@queensda.org.