The Suffolk County SPCA has charged a Middle Island resident with animal cruelty following an investigation into the abuse of a dog.
Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk County SPCA, announced that Ronald Weldon, 49, of Middle Island, has been charged with one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty. The charge stems from an incident that occurred in April 2025, during which Weldon, for no justifiable reason, repeatedly punched his male white 4-year-old German Shepherd, "Bennie" intermittently with a closed fist several times while holding him down on the ground. Bennie at times struggled to get up off the ground and yelped in pain.
On January 22, 2026, SPCA detectives issued Weldon a Field Appearance Ticket. He is scheduled to be arraigned in First District Court in Central Islip on February 2, 2026
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.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.