RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (AP) – A Long Island man has been arrested for an ongoing animal cruelty investigation after allegedly shooting two German Shepherds in the head with a rifle, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office stated.

Carlos Lauro, 76, faces charges of aggravated cruelty to animals and neglect of impounded animals. The investigation began when a one-year-old German Shepherd was taken to a veterinary hospital in Westbury, paralyzed from a gunshot wound. A witness reported finding the dog, named “Blitzkrieg,” shot and laying in a pen on Lauro’s property next to a dead goat.

Authorities also discovered that Lauro had previously shot and killed another German Shepherd, a six-month-old puppy, for refusing to go inside the house. The investigation led to the discovery of several live dogs and other animals living in neglect on Lauro’s property, with multiple dead animals also found.

The live animals, including eight dogs, goats, pigs, cows, and chickens, were found to be living in neglect with no access to clean food and water. Humane Long Island has been assisting the investigation by helping the farm animals find foster care.

Lauro has a history of town complaints regarding the conditions and activities of his property, including illegal animal sales, attempts to operate an illegal slaughterhouse, and property maintenance issues. He has been ordered to be held without bail at his arraignment, pending his next court date on Jan. 17. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney stated that the investigation aims to seek justice for the animal victims found on the defendant’s property.