SPCA official: Dead dog found in E. Islip was tortured

A pit bull-husky mix dog was tortured before it was killed and dumped near the railroad tracks in East Islip, the head of the Suffolk County SPCA said Monday.

"This was a heinous act," said Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk SPCA. "We feel that this animal suffered before it died."

Gross said the 19-month-old dog, Rocky, disappeared from its owners' yard on Oct. 14, and was discovered dead near the tracks the next day, a block from its home.

A veterinarian examined the remains, Gross said, and confirmed, "The dog was not killed by a train. . . . It was apparently killed by human hands."

Gross declined to give further details on the nature of the dog's injuries, but said they were clear enough and severe enough for another animal rights organization to take interest. "The Humane Society of the United States has matched our reward" of $2,500, Gross said.

A total of $5,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible, he said.

"We feel there are witnesses," Gross said. "We hope this reward we've issued will help."

Anyone with information should call the Suffolk SPCA at 631-382-7722, he said.