Man Kept Pit Bull Locked In Cage In Dark Basement: SPCA

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY - A Central Islip man was arrested on Friday for failing to take care of his dog and keeping her locked in a cage in his basement, according to Suffolk County SPCA.

Dashawn Belcher, 25, was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty for failure to provide proper sustenance including food, water and veterinary care to his female pit bull, the SPCA said.

The starved, emaciated dog was found with a body score of 2 out of 9, had untreated open sores and was living in a metal crate filled with feces and urine in a dark basement of his Cypress Street home, the SPCA said.

The dog was transported to a local veterinary hospital for treatment and then transported to the Islip Animal Shelter in Bay Shore where she is recovering from her injuries.

Belcher is schedule to appear in First District Court on October 21, 2019.