Woman Accused Of Fatally Beating Duck Near Suffolk Pond: SPCA

HAUPPAUGE, NY — A woman was charged with animal cruelty after she was accused of beating a duck in August, resulting in the animal's death, the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said Monday.

At 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Suffolk County SPCA received a complaint from a citizen regarding a woman beating a duck, officials said. Suffolk SPCA detectives responded to Hauppauge and were provided videos of the incident, which occurred around 10 a.m. Aug 26 in a small pond behind The Greens, SPCA authorities said.

"A woman can be seen cruelly and unjustifiably beating a grey and black/brown mallard-type duck with a hard stick-like object in the body, head, and neck area," the Suffolk SPCA stated. "The woman pursues the duck on land and into the water. It was observed to be deceased shortly after the encounter."

Audrey Zabielski, 73, of Hauppauge, was arrested at 10:30 p.m. Friday in Hauppauge by SPCA detectives and charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty, the SPCA said. She is scheduled to appear in First District Court in Central Islip on Oct. 3.

"Animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Suffolk County," the SPCA wrote. "If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722."