The Suffolk County SPCA has charged a Brentwood resident with animal cruelty following an investigation into the neglect of a dog.
Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk County SPCA, announced that Clifton Benjamin, 41, of Brentwood, has been charged with four misdemeanor counts: one count of animal cruelty, one count of criminal mischief in the fourth degree, one count of confining an animal outdoors when the temperature exceeds 90°F, and one count of confining an animal outdoors during a National Weather Service heat advisory or watch.
The charges stem from a June 2025 incident in which Benjamin confined a four-year-old female German Shepherd named Luna outdoors for three consecutive days amid extreme heat conditions. During that period, temperatures exceeded 90°F each day, prompting National Weather Service heat advisories or watches. Tragically, Luna was found deceased following this three-day span.
On October 31, 2025, SPCA detectives issued Benjamin a Field Appearance Ticket. He is scheduled to be arraigned in First District Court in Central Islip on November 20, 2025.
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.