SPCA: Mastic Beach dog owner charged with animal cruelty

A Mastic Beach man has been charged with cruelty to animals after repeatedly shocking his Doberman with a shock collar, a Suffolk County SPCA official said Monday.

Brian Hills, 41, was charged with the offense on Sunday following an investigation that found he shocked his 2-year-old dog to the point that caused the animal “to scream in pain,” according to a news release from SPCA Chief Roy Gross.

Hills has been ordered to appear Feb. 1 in First District Court in Central Islip to answer the charge, the release added. The misdemeanor offense could result in a $1,000 fine and/or up to 1 year in prison.

The dog was taken to Brookhaven Animal Shelter, Gross said.

Gross asked anyone who witnesses animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County to call the SPCA at 631-382-7722. All calls will be kept confidential.