Suffolk SPCA Charges Coram Couple After Removing 31 Cats From Deplorable Living Conditions
Coram, NY - July 2, 2018 - On Saturday, June 30, 2018 Suffolk County SPCA detectives charged a Coram couple with animal cruelty.
After a thorough investigation, Frank Tramuta, 68, and Marie Rastelli, 59, were charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty charges. The 31 cats were living in deplorable conditions and were removed from the home and transported to the Brookhaven Animal Shelter for further evaluation with the help of some animal rescue groups. The cats ranged in age from kittens to adults. The seizure followed reports to the Suffolk County SPCA about cats living in poor conditions both inside a debris filled home and on the surrounding property. Further charges may be pending.
Both Traumata and Rastelli are scheduled to appear in First District Court in Islip on August 30, 2018.
Chief Gross said that 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. All calls will be kept confidential.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.