A Central Islip man has been charged with multiple offenses, including animal cruelty and child endangerment, after Suffolk County SPCA detectives discovered shocking conditions in his home. Steven Bartolomey, 37, faces misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty, neglect, and endangering the welfare of a child after an investigation revealed he had failed to provide a safe environment for his one-year-old male Pitbull, “Snoopy,” and five children, ages three to eleven.
According to Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk SPCA, detectives found the Pitbull living in deplorable conditions. The dog was kept inside a cage that was wet with urine and feces, surrounded by garbage and debris. Disturbingly, the dog had no access to food or water. The home itself was also in poor condition, with flies, feces, and garbage scattered throughout. The air quality was so bad that officers experienced coughing, gagging, and nausea while inside the house.
Upon further investigation, it was revealed that five children had been living in the same unsanitary environment for months. The children, who were aged between three and eleven, were removed from the home and relocated to a safe location.
The investigation was carried out with the cooperation of several agencies, including the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk County Probation Department, the Town of Islip Code Enforcement, and the Fire Marshal’s Office. Their thorough efforts led to Bartolomey’s arrest on May 8, 2025. He was taken into custody at his residence and transported to the Suffolk County Police Department’s Third Precinct for booking.
Bartolomey has been charged with one count of Animal Cruelty, one count of Animal Neglect, and five counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child under the Age of 17. He was held at the Third Precinct and was scheduled for arraignment at the Suffolk County First District Court on May 9, 2025.
The neglected Pitbull, Snoopy, was surrendered to Almost Home Animal Rescue in Patchogue, where he will be cared for and eventually made available for adoption. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining safe and humane conditions for both animals and children in our communities.
The Suffolk SPCA continues to investigate and ensure that those responsible for such abuse are held accountable, demonstrating their commitment to protecting animals and vulnerable individuals from neglect and mistreatment.
