LINDENHURST, N.Y. – A Long Island man has been charged with animal abandonment after trapping a 17-year-old cat named Toby in Lindenhurst, New York, and abandoning the feline near the Marina in West Islip. The cat was found by a Good Samaritan and eventually reunited with its owner unharmed, Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross announced Tuesday.
The accused, Thomas Scaccia, allegedly trapped Toby and left him near the marina before being arrested on Dec. 29, 2023, and charged with animal abandonment and petit larceny. Scaccia is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 17.
The Suffolk County SPCA urged anyone who witnesses incidents of animal cruelty or neglect in the county to contact them at (631) 382-7722.
The incident highlights the importance of reporting and addressing cases of animal cruelty and abandonment. The quick action of the Good Samaritan and the reunion of Toby with its owner serves as a reminder of the impact individuals can have in safeguarding the welfare of animals in their communities.
This case also brings attention to the potential consequences of animal abandonment and cruelty, as well as the legal measures in place to address such offenses. The charges against Scaccia indicate the severity with which these acts are treated by law enforcement and animal welfare organizations in Suffolk County.
In conclusion, the arrest of a Long Island man for the alleged abandonment of a 17-year-old cat and subsequent reunion of the animal with its owner has drawn attention to the issue of animal cruelty and the legal repercussions of such actions. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting and addressing instances of animal neglect and abuse.