RONKONKOMA, NY — Forty-nine animals were rescued Tuesday from a Ronkonkoma home in deplorable conditions described as the worst ever seen in the county, Suffolk’s Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says.
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A search warrant was executed at the home on Tuesday and the owner, Linda Hart, 79, was charged with 49 counts of animal cruelty and she is set to appear in court on April 22, Chief Roy Gross said.
“The conditions in the home are absolutely deplorable. Every part of that house had cages with dogs and other animals — birds as well,” he said, adding that mostly the dogs were “severely matted.”
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Some of the animals had to be hospitalized and some of the cages had had to be cut open, he said.
“They were soaked in urine, feces; maggots, and flies were throughout the house,” he said. “Every room in the house, including the bathroom, had cages with dogs. The smell was overwhelming. It was just one of the worst cases reported to me by our officers that were here.”
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“They said, ‘This is the worst I’ve ever seen,'” Gross said. “Some of them are with us for like 18 years.”
The air was so noxious it was difficult for rescuers to breathe, according to Gross.
Gross said his officers could not have undertaken the rescue with the help of multiple agencies, including Suffolk police and the sheriff’s office, Islip Town’s Animal Control and Building Department, and the Lakeland Fire Department.
“They were wonderful working as a team together and I certainly applaud all of them bringing to closure,” he said.
Most of the dogs were taken to Islip’s animal shelter for evaluation, and when they are ready, they can be adopted at another time, according to Gross.
A Town of Islip spokeswoman said the house was placarded by the Fire Marshal’s office for safety reasons, but it has not been condemned.
There is no history of complaints or cases for this property, the spokeswoman said.
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