'Vulnerable' Adult, 9 Dogs Found In East Patchogue Home In 'Harmful Conditions': SPCA

EAST PATCHOGUE, NY — Nine dogs and a vulnerable adult were found in a home with "materially harmful conditions," leading to an East Patchogue woman's arrest on Jan. 11, the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals stated.

Martha Gillette, 53, faces multiple misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, as well as an endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person charge, Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk SPCA, said.

Gillette was accused of neglecting nine canines in her care by failing to provide a safe and clean environment, Suffolk SPCA detectives said.

The Suffolk SPCA executed a search warrant on the morning of Jan. 11, the agency said. Detectives found the home the dogs were confined inside had "noxious air" and that the "odor of feces, urine, and ammonia were so pungent it made SPCA personal cough and gag upon entry and stung their eyes," the Suffolk SPCA said.

The dogs found indoors had no access to water and were in an overcrowded, small pen, officials said.

"The conditions inside were materially harmful to the mental, emotional, and physical well being of a vulnerable adult living in the home under Gillette's care," the Suffolk SPCA stated.

Gillette was arrested, booked at the Suffolk County Police Department Fifth Precinct and released, authorities said.

The residence has since been placarded as unsafe for occupancy by Brookhaven Town Code Officials, the Suffolk SPCA stated.

Gillette is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on Jan. 31. The dogs are being socialized, according to Gross.

"Animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Suffolk County," Gross said. "If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County, please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722."