New York Man Sought in Connection with Attack on Dog

The battering of an eight-pound dog in Marlboro Tuesday might land a Long Island 27-year-old in jail for up to six months.

A bench warrant's been issued for Philip John Lupo of Huntington, accused of ferociously beating the Shih Tzu-Maltese mix during an altercation in a Hummingbird Court dwelling, says Victor "Buddy" Amato, Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer for the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. If he's found guilty, he also risks a fine of as much as $1,000.

Lupo is accused of choking the dog, throwing it against a wall and punching it in the face.

The probe was handled by Marlboro Police Officers James Donovan and Andrew DelCora and SPCA Sergeant Anthony Lena.