Man Charged For Neglecting 2 Emaciated Dogs: SPCA

BELLPORT, NY — A Bellport man was charged on Tuesday for allegedly neglecting his two pit bulls, who were found emaciated, according to the Suffolk County SPCA.

The SPCA responded after receiving a call from a Town of Brookhaven Animal Control Officer who picked up the two pit bulls as strays. The dogs were identified as belonging to 48-year-old Antonio Arguenta, according to the SPCA.

When an officer questioned Arguenta about the dogs, he stated they belonged to him, the SPCA said. Both dogs had their bones and ribs were pushing through their skin, the SPCA said. Arguenta also admitted to having seven pit bull puppies inside his home, according to the agency. The dogs were surrendered to the Brookhaven Animal Shelter.

Arguenta was charged with two counts of failure to provide proper sustenance, the SPCA said.

He is due in First District Court in Central Islip on August 24 to answer to both charges. The dogs and puppies will be examined and evaluated for adoption by the Brookhaven Animal Shelter.