LI Man Zip-Tied Dog's Mouth As Makeshift Muzzle: Police

RIVERSIDE, NY — A Riverside man was arrested after he mistreated two dogs and zip-tied one dog's mouth as a muzzle, police said.

According to Southampton Town police, a call came in on Friday at about 3:38 p.m., asking about a welfare check for two dogs living in a Riverside home.

Upon arrival, police found two mistreated/injured dogs "living in inhumane conditions", one of which had a zip-tie affixed to his mouth as a makeshift "muzzle," police said.

The resident, Roosevelt Sykes, 54, was arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony, and failing to provide adequate shelter, a violation, police said.

Sykes was released on an appearance ticket to appear in Southampton Town Justice Court at a later date, police said.

Both dogs were taken from the scene to an area shelter for medical treatment, police said.