Suffolk SPCA: Bay Shore Couple Found With Nine Cats Living In Squalor
Bay Shore, NY - July 13, 2018 - Detectives with the Suffolk County SPCA arrested a Bay Shore couple and charged with multiple offenses of animal cruelty on Thursday, July 12, 2018.
Michelle Tashbook, 46, and Michael Tashbook, 42, were charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty for failure to provide proper sustenance for their 9 cats. The Suffolk County SPCA launched an investigation after receiving a complaint about the conditions the cats were living in.
Inside, the investigators, forced to wear hazardous protect gear, found the animals living in unsanitary and inhumane living conditions. The dwelling was condemned by the Town of Islip Fire Marshal.
Investigators were forced to wear hazardous protect gear due to unsanitary conditions in the home. Photo Credit: Suffolk County SPCA
Michelle and Michael Tashbook were released on bail. They are scheduled to appear in First District County in Islip on September, 19, 2018.
If convicted, Michelle and Michael Tashbook will be required by law to register with the Suffolk County Animal Abuse Registry. Each person registered with Suffolk County shall remain on the Animal Abuse Registry for five years following his release and must notify of any change of residence.
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.