A Melville man was charged with animal cruelty and neglect Friday evening for keeping his dog in deplorable conditions, the SPCA says.
Detectives say they found 57-year-old Peter Miller's bull terrier Buster confined to a small cage for 10 straight days.
Veterinarians say the dog suffered from discomfort caused by matted fur caked in excrement, inflammation, bruises and scrapes.
Miller is due in First District Court on Jan. 16.