84 Exotic And Domestic Animals Seized In Animal Cruelty Case: Sheriff

WARWICK, NY — A secret menagerie of exotic and domestic animals was seized as part of an animal cruelty probe in Orange County.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office says 84 animals in all were seized from a property in the Town of Warwick after the investigation into allegations of animal cruelty and neglect. The animals were found living in unsanitary and unhealthy conditions, in violation of state agriculture and markets laws.

The case was started last year when a complaint was filed about animal abuse at a home on Old Dutch Hollow Road, in the Town of Warwick. The complaint referred to a previous seizure of around 106 animals due to similar unsafe and unsanitary conditions, according to authorities.

An arrest warrant stemming from last year's complaint was executed on August 12, for 62-year-old Linda Hickey, of Monroe.

Investigators said that while standing in the driveway of the home, they detected a strong odor of animal urine and feces coming from the residence, and saw several cages stacked inside, leading to them obtaining a search warrant for the property, from the Town of Warwick Court.

Sheriff's Office investigators and deputies executed the search warrant on September 17, and a total of 66 animals were seized. These included rabbits, geese, parrots, a raccoon, tortoises, prairie dogs, a starling, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, hamsters, ferrets, degus, a goat, bearded dragons, a snake, a hermit crab, a tarantula, peacocks, a wallaby, dogs, ducks, and cats. All of the animals showed signs of neglect, such as being confined in filth-filled enclosures without adequate care, according to investigators.

The Warwick Building Inspector was contacted due to the overwhelming conditions, and condemned the residence after an on-site inspection.

A second search warrant was executed on September 19, leading to the seizure of 18 more animals, including hens, roosters, and pigs.

The 84 animals removed from the property and are now being safeguarded and provided with ongoing veterinary care by partnering organizations.

The Sheriff's Office extended special thanks to the Warwick Valley Humane Society, led by President Suzyn Barron, "for their expertise in animal welfare investigations and their critical role in assessing and documenting the conditions. Their collaboration was instrumental in building the case and ensuring the safe removal of the animals." In addition, the office thanked Animal Nation, a non-profit organization headed by President Patrick Moore, which "provided essential assistance in transporting and housing the seized animals, demonstrating their commitment to animal rescue and rehabilitation."

"This case highlights the importance of community partnerships in combating animal neglect," Sheriff Paul Arteta said. "The dedication of the Warwick Valley Humane Society and Animal Nation allowed us to act swiftly and humanely, giving these animals a chance at recovery."

The Sheriff's Office encourages the public to report suspected animal cruelty to authorities or a local humane society.

According to the Sheriff's Office, several animals noted in the initial 2024 investigation, including an emu, a swan, two white geese, and four peafowl, were missing from the property during the second operation. Investigators ask that anyone with information on the missing animals' whereabouts contact the Warwick Valley Humane Society.