Massapequa, NY - May 2, 2018 - The Nassau County SPCA announces an arrest for Torturing or Injuring Animals/Failure to Provide Sustenance, a misdemeanor.
On February 6, 2018, a Nassau County SPCA Detective visited a home and heard a high-pitched dog bark/yelp that sounded as if a canine was in distress. Looking through an opening in a wooden fence on the premises he observed a 4 year old, female, white, canine Pit Bull named Madonna, standing on a towel without access to any shelter, food or water. Madonna's ribs were protruding through her skin. Her skin was discolored and her body was shaking. The temperature in which Madonna was exposed at that time was 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nassau County SPCA detectives conducted an investigation and today they arrested Maurice Hankins of Massapequa, 36, for Torturing or Injuring Animals/Failure to Provide Sustenance.
Mr. Hankins was processed by the Nassau County District Attorney's Animal Crimes Unit. He will be arraigned today in First District Court in Hempstead, NY.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.