SPCA: Bay Shore Man Charged with Choking, Throwing Dog to Ground in McDonald's Parking Lot
Bay Shore, NY - December 3, 2018 - Detectives with the Suffolk County SPCA arrested a Bay Shore man on Friday, November 30th, 2018.
William Anthony Roberts, 47, was charged with cruelty to animals. The Suffolk County Police Department contacted the Suffolk County SPCA detectives after responding to the incident location in the parking lot at a McDonalds Restaurant in Bay Shore.
An eyewitness video shows the dog being choked, lifted off its feet by the collar and repeatedly thrown to the ground. The video was broadcast on social media by a concerned citizen.
Upon receiving this information an immediate investigation was started to locate and apprehend the subject seen in the video. A joint investigation by both the Suffolk County SPCA and the Suffolk County Police Department was conducted which led to gathering information, video surveillance from surrounding businesses and witness statements, the subject was identified and charged.
William A. Roberts of Bay Shore, NY was transported to the 3rd Precinct for processing and was held without bail overnight for arraignment on December 1, 2018.
The dog, a female pitbull named Princess, was transported to a emergency veterinary hospital for evaluation.
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.