Detectives from the Suffolk County SPCA and members of Suffolk County Police Department 3rd Precinct charged a Bay Shore man with animal cruelty and criminal contempt.
Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk SPCA, said that its detectives charged Bradley Festgerwick, 33, with misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, alleging that Festgerwick abused his dog named Polly. Detectives from the Suffolk County SPCA responded to investigate the cruel act that occurred in late January 2025 in the bedroom of a Bay Shore home. Polly, an older small Maltese mix dog, was cruelly and unjustifiably picked up and slammed to the ground. The dog was discovered by responding Officers to have a pronounced limp, with difficulty walking and was brought in for immediate medical treatment. A violation of a court order of protection in a domestic violence case was uncovered during the investigation.
On Wednesday February 12th 2025, Festgerwick was arrested by SPCA Detectives for one count of Agriculture & Markets Law Section 353 misdemeanor Animal Cruelty. SCPD Officers arrested Festgerwick for one count of Penal Law Criminal Contempt 2nd, was he was booked at the Suffolk County Police Department 3rd Precinct, and was held for arraignment. Festgerwicki is due back in First District Court on February 24th at 9:00AM.
The Suffolk County SPCA remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals in the county. If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County, please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at (631) 382-7722
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.