The 39-year-old owner of Fausto Stillo Barber Shop in Sunset Park spoke exclusively with News 12 Saturday after police said they busted a cock-fighting ring inside his business.

Fausto Recio-Cruz was charged with attempted unauthorized practice and failure to provide proper sustenance for animals.

 

He told News 12 that he has “nothing to hide” and has a love for chickens.

"I'll show you right now. The complaint says they didn't have no food or water. This is a bowl of water and food…I have two sacks of food. This is pure food for chickens," he says.

People in the neighborhood say the chickens have been at the barber shop for years.

He even has a sign in front of his barber shop explaining his love for chickens. There is also a picture that says one of the chickens was in memory of his deceased brother. 

“He died when he was 15 years old. When I was 7 years old, he gave me a chicken. I have no more memory of him, but I have the memory of the chicken."

Cruz appeared in court on Thursday. According to the Brooklyn's District Attorney's Office, he received an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, which means his case will be dismissed in six months as long as he stays out of trouble.

One of the conditions of the dismissal will be he will not be allowed to get any animals back.