Lake Ronkonkoma Man Neglects, Abandons Severely Emaciated Dog: SPCA

LAKE RONKONKOMA, NY — A Lake Ronkonkoma man was arrested and charged on Tuesday, after he abandoned a severely emaciated Pit Bull terrier, Suffolk County SPCA said.

Stephen Clemente, 44, was charged with animal cruelty after an investigation discovered that he neglected a 2-year-old dog, Shadow, and abandoned her outside the Brookhaven Town Animal Shelter, officials said.

He abandoned the dog while the shelter was closed on the morning of Sept. 8.

The canine was severely emaciated with ribs and bones protruding, SPCA said.

Clemente is scheduled to appear in First District Court, Central Islip on Oct. 16.

Animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Suffolk County, said Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk County SPCA. If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at (631) 382-7722.