A Fire Island man was charged with animal cruelty for failing to provide food, water and shelter for his dog that was discovered alone in the heat and in distress, the Suffolk Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says.

They say Nova, a white retriever, was left in direct sunlight on a deck for at least five hours without food, water or shade.

The SPCA says it was hot, humid with an air quality alert in effect. They say Nova was in rough shape when they arrived.

"Direct sun, 71 degrees can certainly kill an animal and this dog was suffering," says Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross. "And this dog was suffering - it was panting, it was in distress, it's tongue was hanging out, it's eyes were beat red."

Adrian Vasquez, 43, was arrested on Friday. He also had an outstanding arrest warrant for an unrelated matter.