Mahopac Man Arrested For Severe Neglect Of Puppy Named 'Max': SPCA

MAHOPAC, NY — A 33-year-old Mahopac man was arrested for allegedly neglecting his Havanese mix puppy named "Max," according to the Putnam County SPCA.

On January 29, the Putnam County SPCA was contacted by the Town of East Fishkill Police Department who told them that a resident of Mahopac had brought his dog to a vet's office in the Town of East Fishkill, and it exhibited signs of severe neglect to its ears and body, the SPCA said.

The dog had not walked for days due to swelling caused by abscesses all over its body, according to investigators. In addition, the dog's ears were so infected and neglected that the ear canals had become so small that when the veterinarian tried to put a scope inside, the dog screamed in pain. Blood was seen inside the ear canal as well, the SPCA said in a statement.

The dog was then taken by East Fishkill police to Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary in Poughkeepsie. Two additional veterinarians examined "Max," and blood tests were performed. An elevated white blood cell count was found, along with bruising and swelling to Max's neck, according to detectives.

A total of three veterinarians who examined "Max" provided written depositions about the severe neglect, officials said.

Putnam County SPCA detectives opened a criminal investigation, and on January 30, they interviewed the dog's owner at his Mahopac home. He was then arrested, taken to the Town of Carmel Police Department for processing, and charged with one count of misdemeanor alleged animal cruelty.

The Putnam County SPCA thanked East Fishkill Animal Control, the East Fishkill Police Department, the Carmel Police Department, the East Fishkill Animal Hospital, and Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary for help in this investigation.