A Brentwood man is facing disturbing charges of aggravated
cruelty to animals and harassment.
According to Suffolk police, the 23-year-old, who was not
named, found a Chihuahua on May 9 that escaped from a home in Central Islip.
After keeping the dog for nearly a month, the man contacted
a family member via FaceTime on June 1 and strangled the dog while threatening
the family member during the call.
Detectives and officers from the Third Precinct
recovered the dog’s remains at a waste transfer facility in Holbrook on June 4.
The Brentwood man was transported to Stony Brook University
Hospital for an evaluation.
Police say the SPCA assisted in the investigation.