A kitchen fire on Long Island led authorities to a grim discovery — and, ultimately, a lucky break for dozens of chickens and tiny chicks.
Officials said the blaze brought responders to a Westbury home where birds were allegedly being kept in “torturous conditions,” packed into cages and left emaciated and dehydrated.
Victor Xu, 44, of Westbury, was arrested Tuesday after officers who responded to the fire found 66 chickens in distress, including 60 chicks so young they were “still peeping,” according to John Di Leonardo, executive director of Humane Long Island.
“[This was a] crazy case,” one police officer told The Post.
Authorities have not said whether the birds were being raised for food, but Humane Long Island said its focus now is getting the animals healthy and placing them in safe homes.
“Our team has been working around the clock to provide these survivors with veterinary care, nutritious food, clean housing, warmth and the comfort they were denied,” Di Leonardo said.
“Once medically cleared, all 66 chickens will be available for adoption into companion-only homes where they will be cherished, never exploited,” he added.
Xu was charged with 66 counts of torturing or injuring animals — one count for each chicken — along with a charge of failing to provide sustenance, police said.
He was issued a desk appearance ticket and released. He’s due back in court on Aug. 10, police said.
