Mastic Beach man charged with animal cruelty

On May 22, Suffolk County SPCA detectives charged a Mastic Beach man with cruelty to animals. Barry Powers, 58, of Jefferson Drive, Mastic Beach was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty for failure to provide proper sustenance for 76 cats, including five kittens. The cats were removed from the house, which was deemed uninhabitable by the Brookhaven Building Department. The animals were living in deplorable conditions. The Suffolk County SPCA would like to thank the Brookhaven Animal Shelter and the Brookhaven Building Department for their assistance and cooperation. All of the cats were transported to Brookhaven Animal Shelter for further evaluation. Many of the cats needed medical care. Powers is scheduled to appear in First District Court on July 22. SPCA Chief Roy Gross said that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Suffolk County. If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County, please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722. All calls will be kept confidential.