Long Island Woman Charged With 49 Counts Of Animal Cruelty: Court Docs

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A Long Island woman charged with 49 misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty in connection with the seizure of 49 animals from her home pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Central Islip, according to online court documents.

Linda Hart, 79, of Ronkonkoma, was released on her own recognizance, records show.

Patch has reached out to her attorney, John Halverson of Patchogue, for comment.

After Hart's arrest earlier this month, Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Chief Roy Gross told Patch the animals were found "in deplorable conditions" and her home was described as the worst ever seen in the county.

"Every part of that house had cages with dogs and other animals — birds as well," Gross said, adding that mostly the dogs were "severely matted."

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."

A Town of Islip spokeswoman said the house was placarded by the Fire Marshal's office for safety reasons.

Hart is due back in court on May 7, records show.