Detectives from the Suffolk County SPCA charged a Ronkonkoma woman with neglecting to maintain a sanitary environment for her 49 animals.
Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk SPCA, said that it's Detectives charged Linda Hart, 79, with misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, alleging that Hart failed to provide a habitable living environment to the animals in her home.
On April 2, 2024 on or about noon, members of the Suffolk County SPCA and the Suffolk County Police Department, executed a search warrant on Hart's residence after receiving a complaint about the living conditions causing the animals distress. The Islip Hazmat Unit, Suffolk County Sheriffs Department, Islip Animal Control, Islip Building Inspector, Islip Fire Marshall, Lakeland Fire Department arrived at the location and assisted.
Forty nine animals were recovered from the residence, some covered in urine, feces, severely matted and covered with thousands of maggots and flies. All the dogs were in cages thoughout the home. The air was so noxious that investigators had difficulty breathing.
The conditions inside were so unsanitary and dangerous that the Town placarded the residence as uninhabitable.
Hart was charged on April 2, 2024 with 49 counts. She is due to appear in First District Court in Central Islip, on April 22, 2024 at 9 am.
The SPCA would like to thank all the Departments for their assistance.
Animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Suffolk County. If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at (631) 382-7722.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Your Local SPCA Serving Suffolk County
The Suffolk County SPCA, established in 1984, is a private, nonprofit, charitable organization and the voice for animals in Suffolk County. We are not affiliated with, a subdivision of the ASPCA or funded by any other local, state or national humane organization. We rely strictly on donations. Please help us to provide a better life for pets and other animals in Suffolk County.