Bay Shore, NY - May 1, 2017 - On April 29, 2017 Suffolk County SPCA Detectives responded to investigate a complaint of animal neglect. After evaluating the situation a Bay Shore woman was charged with Cruelty to Animals.
Michelle Benners-Pratt, 51, of Bay Shore, was charged with animal neglect for keeping her birds and a dog confined in unhealthy, unsanitary, deplorable conditions. The Fire Department responded to ventilate the house for the safe removal of the animals and our officers. The animals were transported in our Mobile Animal Surgical Hospital to the Islip Animal Shelter.
Bennett-Pratt will appear in First District Court in Central Islip on July 29th, 2017.
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. All calls will be kept confidential.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.