Animal Cruelty Charges For Woman Whose Dog Had Maggots: SPCA

WEST BABYLON, NY — A West Babylon woman was recently charged with animal cruelty after bringing her dog to the veterinarian with open wounds infected with maggots, according to the Suffolk County SPCA. Bunnie Smith, 58, was arrested on Friday and charged with animal cruelty, according to the SPCA. Smith took her 9-year-old dog, Diamond, to the NY Veterinary Specialty Center in Farmingdale on April 29 after discovering maggots on the animal, the SPCA said.

Diamond was severely matted, infested with maggots, and had two old wounds that were also infested with maggots, the SPCA said. According to the SPCA, the dog smelled of urine and feces. In addition, there was feces in the dog’s coat and she was unable to walk, the SPCA said.

SPCA Chief Roy Gross said that an investigation led to charges being filed against Smith. She was issued a field appearance ticket for animal cruelty and will appear in First District Court in Central Islip to answer the charge on May 28.