Long Island Man Slammed Older Maltese Dog To Ground, Causing 'A Pronounced Limp': SPCA

BAY SHORE, NY — A Bay Shore man was charged with animal cruelty and criminal contempt after investigators say he picked his Maltese mix dog up and slammed it to the ground, hurting it so badly it had a pronounced limp, the Suffolk County Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said.

Chief Roy Gross said investigators allege the 33-year-old man abused his dog, "Polly," in late January in the bedroom of a Bay Shore home.

The older dog "was cruelly and unjustifiably picked up and slammed to the ground," and found by responding officers to have a pronounced limp, with difficulty walking and brought for immediate medical treatment, according to Gross.

A violation of a court order of protection in a domestic violence case was also uncovered during the investigation, he said.

The man was arrested last week and charged with one count of Agriculture and Markets Law Section 353 misdemeanor animal cruelty, as well as one count of second-degree criminal contempt. He was booked at the Suffolk police's 3rd Precinct in Bay Shore, and was held for arraignment.

He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in First District Court in Central Islip and was released on his own recognizance.

His attorney, Lisa Pace of Bay Shore, declined comment.

He is due back in court on Feb. 24.

Gross said the Suffolk SPCA remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals in the county. Anyone who witnesses an incident of animal cruelty or neglect in the county can call 631-382-7722.