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Kennel Attendant Charged In Connection With Puppy Found In L.I. Dumpster

WEST ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A kennel attendant at a suburban animal shelter has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after a 1-year-old puppy was found matted and dirty in a commercial dumpster.

The Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said Michael Papini was arrested Friday. The 30-year-old Town of Islip Animal Shelter employee was also charged with animal abandonment. He'll be arraigned Saturday.

Authorities said the female Maltese-mix was found wearing a pink collar and leash in a commercial dumpster outside a gas station in West Islip on Monday. They believe the pooch chewed her way out of a plastic bag. She was taken to an animal hospital.

Papini was being held overnight. His arraignment was scheduled for Saturday.

Lawyer information for Papini wasn't immediately available. There wasn't a phone number registered at his Lindenhurst address.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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