A Maspeth pet shop which local residents claimed mistreated its animals has closed its doors.
The Fresh Pond Pet Shop, located at 60-77 Fresh Pond Rd., shuttered last week amid accusations from neighbors that management neglected cats, dogs, rabbits, fish and other critters for sale .
As reported on the front page of last week’s Times Newsweekly, local residents complained animals were not provided proper food or water and, in some cases, were left wallowing in their own filth.
During Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) 104th Precinct Community Council meeting in Middle Village, Capt. Christopher Manson stated officers from the precinct along with agents from the ASPCA, the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, the city Department of Health and the city Department of Buildings visited the location repeatedly in recent days.
Though no signs of animal cruelty were observed, police issued summonses to the pet store’s management for failing to have the proper licenses and permits needed to run such an establishment.
A Health Department spokesperson stated last week the owner agreed to close the establishment while seeking the proper permits.
Manson reported at Tuesday’s meeting the pet shop closed down and all of its animals were safely removed. Reportedly, the pets were placed up for adoption.
