Suffolk County SPCA Detectives have arrested a Copiague man and charged him with Animal Cruelty on March 24, 2023 after an investigation determined that he failed to provide Veterinary care for his dog.
Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk County SPCA said that SPCA officers responded to a location in Lindenhurst to investigate a complaint that Joseph Rini, 57 of Copiague failed to provide care to Muffin, his 13 year old Shih Tzu. They found that Muffin was extremely matted, covered with feces and urine, had overgrown nails, left eye was crusted shut and a double ear infection causing pain and discomfort.
Rini was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty. He is scheduled to appear in First District Court, Central Islip, NY on April 13, 2023.
Chief Gross said that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Suffolk 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.