Dog Found Dead, Hanging From Tree in Bellport: SPCA

BELLPORT, NY- Suffolk County SPCA is offering a $2,000 reward for anyone who has information about a disturbing case of animal cruelty that was discovered Monday in Bellport.

The Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter received a report that an 8-month-old pit bull mix was found deceased and hanging from a tree in a wooded area near Martha Avenue and Bellport Avenue, the SPCA says.

The shelter picked up the dog and contacted Suffolk SPCA, which is now investigating the incident.

A necropsy was performed on the tri color female, which determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma.

"Unfortunately, any individual that can do something of this nature is capable of committing a more horrific crime,” Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk County SPCA, said in a statement. “There is a strong correlation between animal abuse, domestic violence and child abuse."

Anyone who has information about this crime is urged to contact Suffolk County SPCA to bring the person responsible to justice. Call 631-382-7722. All calls will be kept confidential.

Anyone who intentionally kills a companion animal in New York State can face felony animal cruelty charges.