LI Man Throws Cat Trapped In Backpack Into Great South Bay: SPCA

LINDENHURST, NY — A Lindenhurst man was arrested and charged with animal cruelty, after he threw a cat into the Great South Bay and assaulted its owner, Suffolk County SPCA said.

Christopher Garufi, 48, was charged with animal cruelty, assault and aggravated harassment, SPCA said.

After an investigation, officials said that Garufi both threatened to harm and assaulted a man outside The Schooner Inn in Ocean Bay Park. He then threw the man's cat — which was trapped inside a cat carrier backpack — into the water, officials said.

Both the backpack and the cat were completely submerged underwater, SPCA said.

The cat was immediately rescued by a bystander and was not harmed, officials said.

Garufi surrendered to SPCA detectives on Saturday, and is scheduled to appear in First District Court, Central Islip, on Sept. 9.

Animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Suffolk County. If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at (631) 382-7722.