July 2026 – Moataz Mahfouz, 33, was arraigned in Criminal Court and released on his own recognizance. He pleaded not guilty to charges of animal cruelty and neglect and is due back in court. Mahfouz is facing animal abuse charges after a dog was found allegedly with an open wound on her tail, signs of healed fractures and malnourished. Police said the dog was turned over to local animal rescue group Pitbulls and Addicts and admitted to an animal hospital on the North Shore for treatment.