Holtsville Man Charged With Animal Cruelty

A 50-year-old Long Island man was arrested and charged with five counts of animal cruelty on Wednesday, the Suffolk County SPCA said.

Joseph Specia, of Holtsville, failed to provide proper sustenance or sanitary living conditions for his five dogs, authorities said. He also didn't bring two pit bulls, Natasha and Sasha, for veterinary care after they got into a fight, the SPCA said.

Natasha, who suffered the more severe injuries, was unable to walk and was immediately transported to an emergency animal hospital. The four other dogs were taken to Brookhaven Animal Shelter for medical evaluation.

Specia's home was deemed uninhabitable and condemned. Specia was arrested without incident and released on bail. He is scheduled to appear in First District Court in Central Islip on Nov. 8.

SPCA photos