Deer Park NY
9-02-2026 12:41pm

Turtle Dies After Disturbing Animal Cruelty Incident at Deer Park Lake; Reward Increased to $3,000

DEER PARK, NY — Authorities are continuing to investigate a disturbing case of suspected animal cruelty after a turtle found trapped beneath the water at a Deer Park park later died from its injuries.

The turtle was discovered on Sunday, August 23, at Geiger Park Lake after Town of Babylon Park Rangers responded to the park on an unrelated complaint involving e-bikes.

During their response, the rangers were alerted to a turtle inside a cage that had been secured with zip ties and submerged in the lake.

What they discovered after retrieving the cage prompted an animal cruelty investigation.

According to information released by the Suffolk County SPCA, the turtle had a fishhook lodged in its mouth and had been tethered inside the cage, leaving the animal unable to free itself.

The turtle was still alive when it was discovered at approximately 3:30 p.m. and was rushed to West Islip Veterinary Hospital for emergency treatment.

Despite efforts to save the animal, the turtle was pronounced dead on August 25, two days after it was rescued.

The animal was identified as a yellow-bellied slider, a species that is not native to Long Island and is commonly kept as a pet.

The circumstances surrounding the discovery have led investigators to believe the turtle was deliberately placed in the water.

The Suffolk County SPCA initially announced a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever was responsible. The reward has since increased to $3,000 after the New York State Humane Association contributed an additional $1,000.

Investigators have reportedly received leads and are continuing to pursue information about the case. As of September 2, no arrest has been publicly announced.

The incident has also drawn condemnation from animal welfare advocates as investigators work to determine who was responsible for placing the turtle in the cage.

Anyone who was at Geiger Park around the time of the incident — or who saw a person carrying a cage, handling a turtle or engaging in other suspicious activity near the lake — could potentially have information important to the investigation.

The Suffolk County SPCA is asking anyone with information to call 631-382-7722. Calls will be kept confidential.

Animal cruelty is a crime, and even information that may initially appear insignificant could help investigators determine what happened and identify the person or people responsible.

For Long Island residents, the case is also a reminder of the importance of speaking up when an animal appears to be in danger.

In this case, park rangers were able to remove the turtle from the water alive. Sadly, despite its rescue and emergency veterinary care, the animal did not survive.

Now investigators are seeking answers — and accountability.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722.

More News from Deer Park
I'm interested
I disagree with this
This is unverified
Spam
Offensive