A Brookline man was cited yesterday for operating a slaughterhouse in violation of city zoning ordinances.

David A. Weyand, 33, of Brookline Boulevard, also was charged criminally with cruelty to animals.

Pittsburgh police crime prevention officer Christine Luffey said she and state humane agents found on Mr. Weyand's property an ill-equipped shed where the animals had been kept for slaughter.

Inside the shed were 3 goats, 13 rabbits, 12 bobwhite quail and 8 baby chicks.

"There was barely any ventilation and it was super hot," Officer Luffey said. "The animals were confined."

Neighbors in the 1200 block of Brookline Boulevard had complained since last year of having witnessed unsightly results of Mr. Weyand's animal slaughter.

Dead rabbits had been seen hanging outside to drain their blood. Mr. Weyand, his wife and five children had been observed chasing and killing screaming chickens.

"It was upsetting to the neighbors," Officer Luffey said.

Mr. Weyand told police that he owned a farm in Ohio and that he bought some of his animals from another farmer there.

He said he did it only to feed his family.

The goats were to be taken to his farm in Ohio, the officer said. The Western Pennsylvania Humane Society took custody of the rabbits.

The birds were to be taken to his Ohio farm.

"I've been watching this guy for quite a while, because we've had several complaints over the past year," Officer Luffey said. "We didn't know he was in the business of slaughtering animals."

During one inspection when several rabbits were found, Weyand claimed they were pets, the officer said.

She said the Pittsburgh Zoning ordinance prohibits such activity on property smaller than five acres. The work also cannot be done within 200 feet of any neighbor's property.

Mr. Weyand could be fined $1,000 for violating the ordinance. He also faces possible fines for the cruelty charge.

He must respond to the citations before any hearings are arranged, the officer said.

Mr. Weyand could not be reached for comment.