'On Death's Door': Islip Woman Charged After Emaciated Husky Rescued, SPCA Says

(Photos below may be upsetting to some readers.)

ISLIP, NY — An Islip woman was charged with animal cruelty after investigators found her severely emaciated husky weighing less than half his expected healthy weight and suffering from chronic infections, Suffolk County SPCA officials announced Monday.

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Elizabeth Kelly, 61, was charged with animal cruelty, a class A misdemeanor, following the Oct. 25 rescue of Ghost, an approximately 8- or 9-year-old husky, from her home, authorities said.

Ghost weighed approximately 27 pounds when rescued, compared with an expected healthy weight of about 60 pounds. He was suffering from a severe chronic skin infection, infections in both ears and anemia, according to SPCA Deputy Chief Ray Alvarez.

"According to the vet that treated Ghost, he was literally on death's door, and she didn't know how he survived this long," Alvarez said during a Monday afternoon news conference at the SPCA's Smithtown headquarters.

The veterinarian, who has more than 20 years of experience, had never seen a dog so severely emaciated, Alvarez said. Ghost received a body condition score of 1 out of 9, the lowest possible rating.

SPCA investigators responded to Kelly's home Oct. 25 after receiving a complaint about a dog suffering from emaciation and inadequate care, Alvarez said. Kelly allowed investigators inside, where they discovered Ghost sitting on a couch, largely unresponsive.

Investigators also encountered an overwhelming odor which officials said may have been associated with Ghost's severe skin condition, although its exact cause was not determined.

Kelly voluntarily surrendered Ghost to investigators, who arranged immediate veterinary treatment.

According to Alvarez, veterinary records showed that Ghost had already been suffering from emaciation and a chronic skin infection when he was last seen by a veterinarian in December 2025.

"He was suffering in December of 2025, and his condition just got worse over the past year," Alvarez said.

Kelly told investigators she fed Ghost once daily, Alvarez said. The dog's severe infection, combined with inadequate nutrition for his condition, contributed to his extreme weight loss. Officials said they had received no allegations that Ghost had been physically beaten.

Kelly was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 24. She is accused of failing to provide necessary veterinary care for Ghost.

"That's probably one of the worst cases of animal neglect that I've ever seen over 43 years of doing investigations with the SPCA," Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross said.

Ghost is now recovering in a foster home through One Love Dog Rescue, a Long Island nonprofit based in Smithtown and Ronkonkoma that provides care for rescued dogs.

Since his rescue, Ghost has gained nearly six pounds, bringing his weight to approximately 32.7 pounds. He receives four small meals daily, medications, regular veterinary appointments and medicated baths every three days.

Christina Gilson, a representative of the rescue, said Ghost remains frightened and in considerable pain, making it difficult to fully assess his personality. Nevertheless, volunteers are encouraged by his progress.

"He's truly beating the odds," Gilson said.

Lisa Christensen, another rescue representative, said Ghost's recovery could take months as volunteers work to treat his skin infection and restore his weight.

The organization hopes to eventually place Ghost in a permanent home once he has recovered sufficiently.

"We just want to see him thrive in the life he deserves at this point," Christensen said.

The rescue is accepting support for Ghost's ongoing veterinary expenses and daily care.

More on the rescue can be found here.

Anyone who suspects animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County can contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722.