FREEPORT, NY — A 2-year-old terrier mix named Cornell, found with at least 17 stab wounds, has sparked a search for the perpetrator responsible for this brutal act. The injured pup was discovered by a Good Samaritan on Monday, Nov. 27, on Washburn Avenue in Freeport, suffering from severe wounds, some of which punctured his lungs.
Cornell was immediately taken to the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter and subsequently to a veterinary hospital in Farmingdale, where he underwent surgery. Despite his critical condition, Cornell has shown remarkable resilience and is now in recovery.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly emphasized that the dog’s injuries were neither related to dog fighting nor self-defense, indicating a malicious intent behind the attack. “We need to know what happened to this dog,” Donnelly stated, urging public assistance in the investigation.
Ashley Behrens, acting director of the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, described Cornell as a sweet dog who quickly bonds with those around him. Behrens highlighted the severity of his injuries, noting the potential for a fatal outcome had medical attention not been promptly administered.
Named after singer Chris Cornell by the shelter staff, the dog is currently in a foster home, continuing his recovery in a nurturing environment. Meanwhile, the Nassau County SPCA, in collaboration with the district attorney’s office, is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for this heinous crime.