Home Animals Suffolk County SPCA: Middle Island woman charged with animal cruelty

Suffolk County SPCA: Middle Island woman charged with animal cruelty

by Press Release - December 19, 2024

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470690378_885096967122715_8595417593277258208_n — Photo from Suffolk County SPCA

Detectives from the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have charged a Middle Island woman with animal cruelty after the execution of a search warrant on her residence.

Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross stated that that its detectives charged Kathleen O’Brien, 63, with multiple misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, alleging that O’Brien neglected her five-year-old Labrador type dog by failing to provide a safe and clean environment.

Upon executing a search warrant in the evening of December 11, detectives found the dog confined inside the home that had garbage, filth, grime, hundreds of dead flies, feces, and urine strewn about. The noxious air and odor of urine, ammonia, rot, feces, and food were so pungent it made SPCA personal cough and gag upon entry and stung their eyes. The dog had large areas of missing fur, red irritated skin, open sores around the ears, overgrown nails, and a difficult time walking once on flat ground outside the debris filled home. The interior had garbage and clutter piled over five feet high in spaces the dog had to crawl over. Filthy food and water bowls were noted inside.

O’Brien was arrested on December 13 at Stony Brook University Hospital and released. The residence has since been placarded as unsafe for occupancy by Brookhaven Town Code Officials. The dog is healing at a local animal shelter. O’Brien is scheduled to appear in First District Court in Central Islip on December 27.

The Suffolk County SPCA remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals in the county. If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County, please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722.