ICYMI: Nassau Man Indicted On Charges Of Beating Dog With Shovel

A Levittown man was indicted Tuesday on animal cruelty charges after he allegedly beat his dog with a shovel in December. The dog was so badly injured that it had to be euthanized.

Michael Gallagher, 56, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, attempted aggravated cruelty to animals, overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance and attempted overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; and failure to provide proper sustenance.

“This defendant is accused of truly despicable cruelty that fatally wounded his innocent and helpless 11 year-old dog, Bella,” said District Attorney Madeline Singas. “We know from studies and experience that those who commit crimes against animals are more likely to perpetrate violence against people, and my office is committed to prosecuting these heinous offenses aggressively.”

Singas said on Dec. 23 at approximately 3 p.m., Gallagher allegedly placed his family dog, Bella, an 11-year-old female shepherd mix, inside a black plastic bag and was seen by witnesses repeatedly striking the dog in the head with a metal shovel. He was also allegedly seen placing a zip tie around the dog’s neck. Neighbors called 911 and then confronted Gallagher, who then stopped the alleged beating.

Immediately following the incident, witnesses realized that Bella was still alive after seeing her head move slightly. Around that time, Gallagher's wife arrived home and immediately cut the zip tie from the dog’s neck and rushed her to East Village Green Animal Hospital. The veterinarian determined that the injuries, which included blood and tissue coming out of her head, were fatal, and euthanized the dog to prevent any further pain and suffering.

Gallagher pleaded not guilty and is due back in court on March 21. If convicted of the top count, he faces a maximum of two years in jail. Bail was continued at $300,000 bond or $150,000 cash.

Photo: Nassau County District Attorney's Office