Long Island Woman Faces More Than 30 Animal Cruelty-Related Charges: SPCA

LONG ISLAND, NY — A 53-year-old Long Island woman faces 30 charges related to animal cruelty, after investigators say she neglected around 40 dogs, eight cats, and a bird by keeping them in uninhabitable conditions, the Suffolk County Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said Friday.

Investigators probing claims of poor conditions at her home in Ronkonkoma found garbage, feces, urine, and debris strewn about inside, and that the overwhelming odor of urine, ammonia, rot, other putrid smells, and mildew made it difficult for detectives to breathe inside, SPCA Chief Roy Gross said.

Flies and their excrement were found on the walls and ceilings in the home, and dog cages were discovered with grime, feces, and with matted fur in the cases, as well as with empty water bowls, according to Gross.

The woman surrendered to detectives last Saturday at Suffolk police's 5th Precinct in Patchogue and she was charged under the state's Agriculture and Markets Law with misdemeanors, including animal cruelty and neglect of an impounded animal, and was released.

It was not immediately clear if she has retained legal counsel.

Lombardi is due in First District Court in Central Islip on March 7.

Anyone who witnesses any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk can contact the SPCA at 631-382-7722.