Brookhaven shelter seeks homes for abused pit bulls

The Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter has turned its attention to finding homes for the roughly two dozen abused and malnourished pit bulls found last week in a Shirley residence.

The shelter also seeks donations of blankets, towels, food and volunteers to help care for the neglected dogs until they are placed with adoptive families, officials said.

The Suffolk County chapter of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals rescued the animals after a neighbor reported to police the sound of dogs barking and fighting, authorities said.

Upon arrival, officers noticed the animals were malnourished and covered in bite marks and waste. The dogs were relocated to the shelter where they received emergency medical attention, officials said.

“The conditions that these poor animals were living in were simply appalling. I strongly encourage residents to donate to the shelter, whether you give supplies or your own time, to help these dogs live a better life than they already have,” said Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner, town liaison to the shelter.

The SCPA charged Edward Erdman, 38, of Rowlinson Drive with animal cruelty, authorities said. He faces up to one year in prison, said Roy Gross, Suffolk SPCA chief.

The town has been progressive in launching programs to increase adoption rates and pet retention, while helping to get more than 200 pit bulls spayed and neutered.

The shelter, located at 300 Horseback Rd., is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit www.htaf.org or call the Brookhaven Animal Shelter at 631-286-4940.

Above: Eloise Campbell of Middle Island brought her 2-year-old pit bull, Tank, to receive a free microchip at the Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter. (April 1, 2012)