Dog, 5 Children Rescued From 'Filthy, Unsanitary' Home On LI: SPCA

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — A Long Island man has been charged with animal cruelty and child endangerment after authorities found a pit bull and five children living in a "filthy and unsanitary home," according to the Suffolk County SPCA.

Steven Bartolomey, 37, of Central Islip, was arrested on Thursday and charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty charges for allegedly failing to maintain a safe and sanitary environment for his 1-year-old male Pitbull named "Snoopy," according to SPCA Chief Roy Gross.

Gross said detectives also found five children, ages three to 11, living in the "poor conditions" with the dog for months, in a home with "garbage, debris, flies, feces and urine strewn about."

"The air quality was so poor it caused officers to cough, gag, and become nauseous while inside," officials said in a statement.

Detectives said the dog's cage was "filthy and unsanitary, with urine and feces, garbage and debris." The dog also did not have access to food and water, officials said.

Officials said the children have been relocated to a safe location and the dog was surrendered to Almost Home Animal Rescue in Patchogue where he will soon be available for adoption.

Bartolomey was charged with animal cruelty, animal neglect and five counts of endangering the welfare of a child under the age of 17 and was arraigned at Suffolk County First District Court on Friday, officials said.

To report animal cruelty 24/7 call 631-382-7722.