Suffolk SPCA: Central Islip man arrested for keeping 5 children, dog in poor living conditions
The Suffolk SPCA says Steven Bartolomey kept his 1-year-old Pitbull in a filthy cage with debris and no access to food or water.
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A Central Islip man accused of keeping five children and his dog in poor living conditions is facing multiple charges.
The Suffolk SPCA says Steven Bartolomey kept his 1-year-old Pitbull in a filthy cage with debris and no access to food or water.
"It was living in its own excrement, soaked in urine flowing out of the cage,” said Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross.
The 37-year-old’s home also contained garbage, debris, flies, feces and urine. Authorities say the air quality was so poor that officers became nauseous and gagged while inside.
The children in the residence ranged between the ages of 3 and 11 years old. Officials say they had been living in the poor conditions for months.
The SPCA says the Suffolk Police Department, probation department, Town of Islip Code Enforcement and the fire marshal's office all participated in the investigation culminating in Batolomey’s arrest.
The children have since been relocated, according to police. The dog was surrendered to Almost Home Animal Rescue in Patchogue and will soon be available for adoption.
The charges against Bartolomey include animal cruelty, animal neglect and five counts of endangering the welfare of a child under the age of 17.
He will be arraigned in Suffolk County First District Court on May 9.
