Former high school student arrested with alleged animal cruelty

The Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) issued a press release on March 5, 2024, announcing the charging of a former Brentwood High School student with animal cruelty. The charges stem from a disturbing incident captured on video in which the individual, along with friends, subjected a black cat to a brutal and sadistic beating using a metal bar. The incident occurred at Brentwood High School, and the perpetrators shared the footage on social media.

Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk SPCA, highlighted that the charges were the result of an extensive investigation initiated after a complaint in September 2023. The complainant, also a former Brentwood High School student, identified the location and the 17-year-old male as a student at the time of the video. The footage depicts the assailant mercilessly striking the black cat, causing severe traumatic injuries, and prompting the public to provide any additional information related to the incident.

To aid in the investigation, the Suffolk County SPCA urged individuals with relevant information to contact their detectives at 631-382-7722. The video, depicting the disturbing act, can be viewed at https://youtu.be/GIxma6aAdng?si=-gYdF-E7Zbr427Nd, with a warning about its graphic content and potential distress for some viewers.

The press release emphasized a strong stance against animal cruelty in Suffolk County and encouraged the public to report any instances of cruelty or neglect by contacting the Suffolk County SPCA at (631) 382-7722. It concluded with a reminder that a criminal charge is an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.