Dog Found Severely Matted, Covered In Bugs: SPCA

WYANDANCH, NY - A Wyandanch man was charged with animal cruelty on Monday after his dog was found severely matted and covered in bugs, according to the Suffolk County SPCA.

Hakim El-Quhir, 61, allegedly brought the dog, an 8-year-old cockapoo named Fluffy, to a veterinary clinic to euthanize her, but the clinic wanted her to have a second chance so they began life saving measures, the SPCA said.

The clinic contacted the Babylon Animal Shelter who then called the SPCA after they saw Fluffy was found crawling maggots, fly larva, covered with feces and urine and was so severely matted that she was unable to walk or stand.

El-Quhir was charged with one count of failure to provide proper sustenance including veterinary care, the SPCA said.

He is scheduled to appear in First District Court on July 23.

The SPCA also started a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help dogs like Fluffy since El-Quhir will not be paying for the veterinary care.

"Fluffy is one of many animals that needs the public’s help to receive the care and rehabilitation needed for her to walk normally again," a message on the page reads. "The funds raised with provide her with this much needed care. This lucky lady deserved a second chance. in this case will not pay for the veterinary care."

Photos: Suffolk County SPCA