Islip woman charged with animal cruelty after severely emaciated Husky rescued
At the time of his rescue, Ghost weighed 27 pounds—less than half the typical 60-pound weight for an adult Husky. The dog's owner reportedly told investigators she fed him once a day, an amount officials said was far insufficient given his medical needs.
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An 8-year-old Husky is recovering in a foster home after being found severely emaciated and suffering from a severe skin infection inside an Islip residence late last month.
Suffolk County SPCA officers rescued the dog, named Ghost, on Oct. 25 following an anonymous tip about an animal in distress.
"According to the vet that treated Ghost, he was literally on death's door," said Suffolk SPCA Deputy Chief Ray Alvarez. "They saw Ghost sitting on a couch, pretty much unresponsive."
Investigators reported a pungent odor throughout the house, which veterinarians attributed to the dog's advanced skin condition. Alvarez noted that Ghost had not received veterinary care since December 2025, when he presented with similar health issues.
At the time of his rescue, Ghost weighed 27 pounds—less than half the typical 60-pound weight for an adult Husky. The dog's owner reportedly told investigators she fed him once a day, an amount officials said was far insufficient given his medical needs.
Elizabeth Kelly, 61, was arrested and charged with animal cruelty. She is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 24.
Ghost has since been placed under the care of One Love Dog Rescue, where his health has begun to improve.
"Ghost is currently in a loving foster home and is being taken care of on a daily basis," said Lisa Christiansen of One Love Dog Rescue. "He requires daily care and medicated baths every three days. We're doing everything we can for him."
