Bellport dog ‘Seven’ left starving with open wounds, owner charged

Suffolk SPCA says the 10-year-old dog was infested with flies after being neglected

A Bellport man faces animal cruelty charges after his 10-year-old dog was found starving, infested with flies and suffering from open wounds to his ears and neck, Suffolk animal police said.

Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross announced that 50-year-old Cecilio Matthews was charged with one misdemeanor and one violation count of animal cruelty under the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, along with four misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty under the Suffolk County Code.

SPCA investigators said they determined that Matthews failed to provide adequate care for his underweight, gray mixed-breed dog, Seven. The dog is now receiving medical treatment at a local animal shelter.

Matthews was issued a field appearance ticket on Monday and he is scheduled to be arraigned Sept. 11 at Suffolk First District Court in Central Islip.

The Suffolk County SPCA asks anyone who witnesses animal cruelty or neglect in the county to call 631.382.7722.

_{Top: 10-year-old mixed breed dog, Seven (provided by Suffolk SPCA).}