Puppy Thrown from Moving Car Suffers Broken Neck

A $2,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest

A pit bull puppy is hospitalized with a broken neck after it was stuck in a plastic bag and thrown out of a moving car over the weekend, authorities say.

Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk SPCA, said the puppy was tossed onto the Pilgrim Psychiatric Center property near the Sagtikos Parkway in Brentwood. 

It was taken to West Islip Emergency Veterinary Clinic by Islip Animal Shelter personnel after another motorist witnessed the incident and called authorities.

"He was in severe shock," said veterinarian Dr. Lynda Loudon. "He was crying in pain from his injuries." 

According to veterinarians who treated the puppy they named Joey, he suffered from multiple neck fractures, is malnourished, and has bite marks on his neck. The bite wounds indicate the puppy may have been used as a bait dog by dog fighters, authorities said.

Joey is still sporting bandages and receiving around-the-clock pain medication and IV fluids.

"It's unimaginable," said Loudon. "You just can't fathom how or why someone could do this to a little innocent puppy." 

Loudon said the dog has another three to four months to recover. Already, there are at least 15 requests of potential owners eager to adopt the loving pup. 

"He gives us kisses every time we try to go in and help him," said Loudon. "He's gonna be a good dog for somebody." 

The Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever threw the puppy out the window sometime Saturday afternoon.   

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722. 

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