A Central Islip man, Steven Bartolomey, has been arrested and is facing multiple charges, including animal cruelty and child endangerment. Authorities discovered five children and a pit bull living in poor conditions, according to News 12 Long Island.
The Suffolk SPCA discovered a 1-year-old Pitbull named 'Snoopy' living in a cage surrounded by the strong odor of urine and excrement. The scene was described as cluttered with garbage and debris, with a noticeable neglectful atmosphere. The officers found the air quality so poor that they recoiled, and the dog had no access to food or water. Meanwhile, five children, aged 3 to 11, were found living in these conditions for an unspecified but likely extended period, according to the Suffolk SPCA.
The rundown home in question, where Bartolomey kept the children and the dog, was a hodgepodge of garbage, debris, and biological waste such that entering authorities from multiple departments including Suffolk Police, probation, and Islip Code Enforcement became nauseous and gagged during their investigation, as reported by by News 12 Long Island.
Subsequent to Bartolomey's apprehension, the children have been removed from the premises, the dog surrendered to Almost Home Animal Rescue in Patchogue where it will be cared for until it can be adopted. The man is heading to face a judge, charged with charges that span from animal cruelty, neglect, to endangering the welfare of children under the age of 17, as the Suffolk County First District Court will hear his case, in a statement obtained by ABC 7 New York.
