Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross is reminding the public to keep their pets safe during hot weather.
This comes after officers discovered a dog tied up behind a West Babylon house on Thursday.
Since it was left alone without water in 90+ degree heat, officers seized the pit bull and brought it to the Babylon Animal Shelter for care.
On Friday, the dog’s owner, 25-year-old Ismaylin Batista, turned himself in and now faces misdemeanor charges. Batista’s family members say they were stunned by the news.
Blue, the pit bull, was eventually returned to the family.
Tethering a dog outside during 90+ degree weather, or any reported heat emergency, is a violation of Suffolk’s code. Nassau County has similar regulations.
Chief Gross wants people to know the importance of taking care of pets during hot weather.
“Think about your pets,” he said. “If you are sitting in the house and its air conditioned – what about your animal sitting outside in the sun? You just can't do it.”