Dog Found Living In Own Waste In 'Deplorable' Conditions: SPCA

RIVERHEAD, NY — A Riverhead woman was charged with animal cruelty after a dog was found neglected, living in "deplorable conditions in his own waste," according to the Suffolk County SPCA.

SPCA detectives charged Claire Kim Shands, 28, with misdemeanor animal cruelty on Feb. 12.

Detectives responded to a complaint received from Riverhead Animal Control about a neglected, severely underweight, year old male Rottweiler, the SPCA said.

Shands failed to provide proper sustenance including lack of food, water and a clean environment, the SPCA said.

Shands will be arraigned in Riverhead Justice Court on March 27, 2018; if convicted, Shands will be required by law to register with the Suffolk County Animal Abuse Registry, the SPCA said. Each person in the registry will remain on the Animal Abuse Registry for five years following their release and must notify of any change of residence, the SPCA said.

Chief Roy Gross said that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Suffolk County. Anyone who witnesses any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County is asked to contact the Suffolk County SPCA at (631) 382-7722. All calls will be kept confidential.