Copiague Man To Serve Prison Time For Animal Cruelty: SPCA

COPIAGUE, NY - A 57-year-old Copiague man was sentenced to prison and probation this week on animal cruelty charges, according to the Suffolk County SPCA.

Anthony Laccone was convicted on September and sentenced on Monday to 60 days in prison and 3 years probation, the SPCA said.

He was charged by the SPCA in March with four counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; and failure to provide proper sustenance.

Laccone had failed to provide proper sustenance including food, water, veterinary care, and proper living conditions to four pit bulls, the DA said.

The animals were living in uninhabitable conditions as the home was filled with dirt and trash.

In addition, fecal matter covered the floors and walls which led to an overwhelming foul odor, the DA said.

Each dog was examined by a veterinarian at the Town of Babylon Animal Shelter and were found to be malnourished, flea infested, had skin infections, were soaked with urine, and had fecal matter embedded in their fur, according to the DA.

Image via Suffolk County SPCA

Two of the dogs were individually confined to a car in the garage, each filled with trash and feces, and were found to have eaten through the seats of the car to fill their stomachs, the DA said.

After a medical examination, these two dogs had to be euthanized. The other two have since been adopted.

In addition to his sentence, Laccone must also register on the Suffolk County Animal Abuse Registry.

"We would like to thank the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, the Town of Babylon Animal Shelter and the fine work of the Suffolk County SPCA detectives who brought this case to conviction," the SPCA wrote in a statement. "Hopefully this sends out a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated and Suffolk County."

Advocates are looking for people charged with animal cruelty, like Laccone, to serve longer sentences.

SPCA chief Roy Gross, who has been with the organization for 36 years, told Newsday that the highest jail term for animal cruelty was two years, handed down to only two people. Most are sentenced to serve shorter prison terms or community service.

"I believe it's important that the judicial system realizes that jail time is appropriate for animal abuse crimes committed in Suffolk County," Gross told Patch. "We applaud them for that!"