Long Island Woman Kept Dog In Filth, 100s Of Dead Flies, Piles Of Garbage: SPCA

MIDDLE ISLAND, NY — A 63-year-old Middle Island woman was charged with multiple counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty after detectives say she neglected and did not provide her five-year-old dog with a safe and clean environment, the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said.

In a search warrant of the home on Dec. 11, detectives found the Labrador-type dog confined inside the home with garbage, filth, grime, hundreds of dead flies, feces, and urine strewn about, according to Chief Roy Gross.

The noxious air and odor of urine, ammonia, rot, feces, and food were so pungent it made investigators cough and gag, and stung their eyes, Gross said.

The dog had large areas of missing fur, as well as red and irritated skin, open sores around the ears, overgrown nails, and had a difficult time walking once on flat ground outside the debris-filled home, according to Gross.

The interior had garbage and clutter piled over five feet high in spaces the dog had to crawl over, and filthy food and water bowls were set out, Gross said.

The woman was arrested on Dec. 13 at Stony Brook University Hospital and then released, according to Gross.

The home has since been placarded as unsafe for occupancy by Brookhaven Town code enforcement, Gross, said, adding that the dog is healing at a local animal shelter.

The woman is scheduled to appear in First District Court In Central Islip on Dec. 27.

It was not immediately clear if she has legal representation.

The SPCA remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals in the county, Gross said.

Anyone who sees any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in the county, can contact the SPCA at 631-382-7722.