Sound Beach couple accused of neglecting ‘severely underweight’ dog
Suffolk SPCA investigators say the Coonhound-Boxer mix, belonging to Michael O’Brien, 39, and Jenecia O’Brien, 37, weighed approximately 30 pounds less than the breed's typical range.
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A husband and wife are facing animal cruelty charges for the alleged neglect of their dog in Suffolk County.
According to Suffolk SPCA investigators, Michael O’Brien, 39, and Jenecia O’Brien, 37, both of Sound Beach, failed to provide adequate care for their five-year-old pet named Kobe.
The male Coonhound-Boxer mix was found to be severely emaciated, weighing just 37 pounds, which is significantly below the typical 65 to 67 pounds range for his breed.
Veterinarians also found ulcerative lesions over bony areas of the animal’s body, injuries that may be associated with restricted movement or extended confinement, SPCA Chief Roy Gross says.
It was later determined that Kobe had been detained in a crate and not provided with sufficient food and water.
He is now receiving medical treatment and starting his recovery journey at a local animal shelter, according to the SPCA.
Michael and Jenecia O'Brien will face charges of failure to provide necessary veterinary care and failure to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.
The couple is scheduled to be arraigned in First District Court in Central Islip on Oct. 30.
