Suffolk County SPCA

13/10/2026

Sound Beach Husband and Wife Charged with Animal Cruelty

Suffolk County, NY — The Suffolk County SPCA has charged a Sound Beach husband and wife with animal cruelty following an investigation into the alleged neglect of their dog.

Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk County SPCA, announced that Michael O’Brien, 39, and Jenecia O’Brien, 37, both of Sound Beach, have each been charged with one misdemeanor count of failure to provide necessary veterinary care and one misdemeanor count of failure to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.

The charges stem from an alleged period of neglect extending from early this year through October. Investigators determined that the couple failed to provide adequate veterinary care for their five-year-old male Coonhound-Boxer mix, Kobe.

As a result of the alleged neglect, Kobe was found to be severely underweight, with a body condition score of 1 out of 5, indicating severe emaciation. At the time he was presented for veterinary care, Kobe weighed just 37 pounds, significantly below the typical 65 to 67 pounds expected for a dog of his breed and age.

Veterinarians also identified multiple apparent ulcerative lesions over bony areas of Kobe’s body, including his hindquarters and extremities. These injuries are consistent with prolonged pressure on the affected areas and may be associated with restricted movement or extended confinement rather than an underlying disease process.

Investigators further determined that Kobe had been confined to a crate inside the home and was not provided with adequate amounts of wholesome food and water. The alleged deprivation resulted in severe weight loss and raised serious concerns about the dog’s welfare.

Kobe is currently receiving necessary medical treatment at a local animal shelter as he begins his recovery.

On October 12, 2026, SPCA detectives issued Michael and Jenecia O'Brien a Field Appearance Ticket. They are scheduled to be arraigned in First District Court in Central Islip on October 30, 2026.

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. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

08/10/2026

Join us at the Little Lucy’s Annual Halloween Event.

04/10/2026

Suffolk County SPCA at the Long Island Law Enforcement Charity Touch-A-Truck Toy Drive!

We were proud to attend this wonderful community event hosted by Teddies for Happiness. It was a fun filled day connecting with the public, sharing information, and educating our community about the important work the Suffolk County SPCA does to protect animals and help keep them safe.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to support the animals and learn more about our mission!

01/10/2026

22/09/2026

Central Islip Woman Charged with Animal Cruelty

Suffolk County, NY — The Suffolk County SPCA has charged a Central Islip resident with animal cruelty following an investigation into the placement of substances injurious to animals in a public area.

Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk County SPCA, announced that Joyce Hamlett, 61, of Central Islip, has been charged with one misdemeanor count of Throwing a Substance Injurious to Animals in a Public Place under the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.

Hamlett was also charged under the New York State Penal Law with one count each of Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, a misdemeanor; Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a misdemeanor; Criminal Nuisance in the Second Degree, a misdemeanor; Harassment in the Second Degree-Physical Contact, a violation; and Resisting Arrest, a misdemeanor.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred in August 2026. Investigators determined that Hamlett placed pieces of shattered glass and mothballs in common areas of the apartment complex near her residence in an effort to deter animals from entering the area. The common areas were accessible to residents of the complex, including numerous children under the age of 17. Investigators determined that the placement of these materials created a substantial risk of injury to residents of the complex.

On September 18, 2026, SPCA detectives issued Hamlett a Field Appearance Ticket. She is scheduled to be arraigned in First District Court in Central Islip on October 8, 2026.

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. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

16/09/2026

Wheatley Heights Man Charged with Animal Cruelty

Suffolk County, NY — The Suffolk County SPCA has charged a Wheatley Heights resident with animal cruelty following an investigation into the neglect of a dog.

Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk County SPCA, announced that Isaiah Thomas, 20, of Wheatley Heights, has been charged with one misdemeanor count of failure to provide necessary veterinary care and one misdemeanor count of failure to provide proper food and drink to impounded animal under the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.

The charge stems from an incident that occurred in September 2026, during which investigators determined that Thomas failed to provide adequate veterinary care for his four-year-old male Cane Corso, "Apollo".

As a result of the neglect, the dog was found to be severely underweight, with a body count score of 2 out of 9. It was also determined that Apollo suffered from flea infestation, excoriations, wounds, severe generalized muscle loss, and diffuse skin disease accompanied by hair loss, crusting, and scabbing.

Investigators further determined that Thomas failed to provide Apollo with an adequate supply of wholesome food and water while confined to a basement. The basement was secured by a metal door that was held closed by three vehicle tires. The conditions and lack of adequate nutrition resulted in Apollo suffering severe weight loss. .

Apollo is currently receiving necessary medical treatment at a local animal shelter.
On September 15, 2026, SPCA detectives issued Thomas a Field Appearance Ticket. He is scheduled to be arraigned in First District Court in Central Islip on October 5, 2026.

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. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.