Anthony Estevez, 25, pretended to be an animal control officer to dump his dying dog at the shelter

NEW YORK -- A 25-year-old Queens man pretended he was an animal rescuer so he could dump his neglected dog at a shelter — and make sure the skeletal pooch didn’t die in his bedroom, officials said Thursday.

District Attorney Richard Brown said Anthony Esteves misled rescuers and police when he claimed he found the starved dog in a Queens field on Oct.13.

NOTE: Later news stories identify him as Anthony Estevez.

The friendly boxer, dubbed Brewster by rescuers, weighed just 25 pounds when Esteves brought him to the New York City Animal Care Center in Rego Park. He should have weighed closer to 60.

Adopt a Boxer Rescue took the gravely ill dog to a veterinary hospital and put out a reward for information.

After the Daily News reported Brewster’s plight and contacted Police Department officials, the NYPD Cruelty Investigation Squad launched an investigation. Esteves changed his story several times, first giving a false address and then saying other people owned the dog.

Brown said Esteves finally admitted he owned the dog and he did not want it to die in his bedroom. A search showed there was no evidence of dog food ever having been in the house, officials said.  Esteves was even using an empty dog food dish to keep some of his personal items.

“The defendant is accused of showing a complete disregard for the well-being of this helpless animal when he failed to provide the basic necessities required to maintain the animal’s health,” the DA said. “I commend the Daily News for bringing the matter to the attention of authorities.”

Esteves was arrested and faces a number of charges including aggravated cruelty to animals, falsifying records and torturing and injuring animals. He was released and is expected back in court on Dec. 15.

Brewster underwent medical treatment and is currently recovering in a foster home said Amy Swift, from Adopt-a Boxer Rescue.

“He’s doing really well, he gained six pounds in the first week we had him,” said Swift. “His temperament could not be better. He is the ideal dog – so friendly to everyone.”

Swift said Brewster will need several more weeks of treatment before he is ready for adoption, but noted the group has several other boxers in need of good homes.

(NY Daily News - Oct 23, 2015)