A Suffolk County woman was arrested this week on charges related to the death of Fribble the cat.
Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk County SPCA, announced that Mackenzie Beck, 27, of Kings Park, has been charged with Abandonment of Animals and Animal Cruelty, both misdemeanor offenses.
Gross said these charges “carry a penalty of up to a year in jail and/or $1,000 fine. If you're convicted of animal cruelty, you go on the Suffolk County animal abuse registry and cannot own an animal again for 10 years.”
The charges stem from an incident that occurred in January 2025. Beck had been hired by Fribble’s owner through the popular pet sitting website, Rover, to care for the eight-year-old male black cat. Beck is accused of failing to provide the cat with medical attention resulting in its death.According to investigators, Beck left New York on January 5, 2025, for personal business, leaving Fribble at her residence despite the cat’s need for urgent veterinary care at the time. While away, Beck eventually arranged for the someone to take Fribble to a veterinary hospital on January 7. However, it was too late for Fribble and he passed away later that same day. Beck did not return from her trip until January 10.
Gross said, “Do the due diligence just as you would if you leave your child at a daycare center or with anyone to make sure that that the person or facility is the right place, a safe place. Check out the caretaker for your pet every time.”
Over 3,000 cases of animal abuse were reported last year in Suffolk County. If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County, please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722.