LI Husband And Wife Charged With Animal Cruelty For Keeping Emaciated Dog: SPCA

SOUND BEACH, NY — A Sound Beach husband and wife have been charged in connection with animal cruelty after an investigation into the neglect of their dog, the Suffolk Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Chief Roy Gross said.

The husband, 39, and wife, 37, have each been charged with one misdemeanor count of failure to provide necessary veterinary care and one misdemeanor count of failure to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, according to Gross.

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The charges stem from neglect extending from early this year through October, and investigators determined the couple failed to provide adequate veterinary care for their five-year-old male Coonhound-Boxer mix, Kobe, Gross said.

As a result of the alleged neglect, Kobe was found to be severely underweight, with a body condition score of 1 out of 5, indicating severe emaciation, Gross said, adding that at the time Kobe was presented to vet care, he weighed just 37 pounds, which is significantly below the typical 65 to 67 pounds expected for a dog of his breed and age.

Veterinarians also identified multiple apparent ulcerative lesions over bony areas of Kobe's body, including his hindquarters and extremities, according to Gross.

The injuries are consistent with prolonged pressure on the affected areas and may be associated with restricted movement or extended confinement rather than an underlying disease process, Gross said.

Investigators further determined Kobe had been confined to a crate inside the home and was not provided with adequate amounts of wholesome food and water, according to Gross. The alleged deprivation resulted in severe weight loss and raised serious concerns about the dog's welfare, Gross said.

Kobe is currently receiving necessary medical treatment at a local animal shelter, as he begins his recovery, according to Gross.

The husband and wife were issued Field Appearance Tickets on Monday and are scheduled to be arraigned in First District Court in Central Islip on Oct. 30.

It was not immediately clear if they have legal representation.

The SPCA remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals in the county.

Anyone who witnesses any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in the county, can call investigators at 631-382-7722.