ASPCA and Suffolk County District attorney’s office rescues almost 300 neglected animals

At the request of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the ASPCA urgently mobilized over 20 responders to help almost 300 neglected cats, snakes, birds, and tortoises from a suspected hoarding situation in a home in Brookhaven, New York.

According to an organizational release,¹ the animals were living in overcrowded and filthy conditions surrounded by their feces, urine and covered in vermin such as cockroaches. Some of these rescued animals were reported to be suffering from untreated medical conditions.

"When ASPCA responders arrived on the property, it was clear immediate intervention was necessary to remove hundreds of neglected animals from the inhumane and brutal conditions they were subjected to and provide them with expert care," explained Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO, in the release.

"The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office has developed a task force dedicated to helping animals in need, and we commend them for prioritizing efforts to stop animal neglect and cruelty in their communities. The ASPCA is proud to support their work by bringing these animals to safety and assisting the prosecutorial case through evidence collection, forensic exams, and legal and investigative support," he continued.¹

ASPCA is assisting with operational planning and removal, evidence collection and crime scene documentation, legal and investigative assistance, and forensic exams, according to the release. ASPCA is also aiding in transporting the rescued animals to rescue groups and shelters throughout New York so they can rescue the care they need.

"Thanks to our partnership with the Town of Brookhaven, we were alerted to the deplorable conditions these helpless animals were living in and we immediately took action," said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, in the release.¹ "Through our partnerships with local government and rescue groups, we can work cohesively to ensure that these types of inhumane abuse of animals are addressed and those who participate in them are held accountable."

Criminal charges have been filed and are being prosecuted by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office. ASPCA is providing investigative and legal assistance to help support the investigation and prosecution to help ensure these animals receive justice.

Reference

ASPCA Assists Suffolk County District Attorney's Office with Rescue of Nearly 300 Neglected Animals from Hoarding Situation on Long Island. News release. ASPCA. October 18, 2022. Accessed October 21, 2022. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aspca-assists-suffolk-county-district-attorneys-office-with-rescue-of-nearly-300-neglected-animals-from-hoarding-situation-on-long-island-301652913.html