Long Island Man, 25, Kept Dog Locked In Cage In Dark Basement, SPCA Says

A Long Island man has been arrested for animal cruelty for keeping a pit bull in a feces and urine-filled metal crate in a dark basement.

The female pit bull who was kept in a locked, dark cage in a basement.
Photo Credit: *Suffolk County SPCA*

Kathy Reakes

08/20/2019 9:30 a.m.

Dashawn Belcher, 25, of Central Islip, was arrested on Friday, Aug. 16, after the female pit bull was found starved, with untreated open sores in the metal crate of a Cypress Street home, said the Suffolk County SPCA.

On Friday, August 16, 2019, Suffolk County SPCA Detectives charged a Central Islip man with cruelty to animals.

Belcher was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty for failure to provide proper sustenance including food, water, and veterinary care, police said.

The dog was transported to a veterinary hospital for treatment and then transported to Islip Animal Shelter where she is recovering from her injuries, the SPCA said.

Belcher is scheduled to appear in First District Court in October.

"Animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Suffolk County," said Chief Roy Gross.

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.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Nassau and receive free news updates.