Mastic Beach woman left dog without food or water, cops say

A Mastic Beach woman was arrested and charged with animal neglect Sunday after leaving her dog without access to food or water in a home she was squatting in, Suffolk police said.

Ashley Dollard, 23, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals after the owner of the Laurelton Drive house returned Saturday to the home, which has been occupied by squatters, police said.

Dollard’s 1-year-old pit bull, Karma, was found underweight and locked in a bedroom filled with feces and urine, police said. The dog was taken into custody by Brookhaven Town Animal Control.

The homeowner had called 911 after finding a dead cat, which was not related to Dollard’s arrest, but led to an investigation of the house, police said.

Brookhaven Town spokesman Jack Krieger said the house was condemned at 9:15 a.m. Sunday. There were two squatters, including Dollard.

Dollard was released on bail and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on April 12. She did not immediately respond to a request for comment left with a relative. Attorney information for Dollard was not available.

The home had no running water, police said. Property records list the homeowner as Florence Ungerer, who did not respond to a request for comment.

By Rachelle Blidner

rachelle.blidner@newsday.com@rachelleblidner

Rachelle Blidner covers Suffolk County government, politics and breaking news.