A West Hills couple have been charged with animal cruelty after the Suffolk County SPCA raided their house last week and found dozens of emaciated animals inside, some of which were dead, officials said in a news conference Friday. Officials highlighted the case to get the word out that the more than 100 animals rescued will soon be up for adoption.
Suffolk SPCA officers hold a few of the abused animal who were rescued from the Gladstein's home.
The cruelty charge stems from the discovery of an abused pony that officers found in a shed in the backyard of Michael and Marilyn Gladstein’s large Chichester Road home. The pony was so badly neglected that it had developed a bone deformity and was unable to walk, Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross said. Animal cruelty is felony punishable by up to two years in prison.
Gross said additional charges are pending based on the condition of the other animals. In addition, Gross said the Suffolk SPCA is taking civil action to ensure the Gladstein’s cover the cost of rescuing and rehabilitating the animals.
“There is no excuse for this [abuse] and it will not be tolerated,” Gross said.
In addition to the pony, 115 dogs, one cat and three goats were rescued from the home, which Gross said was in “deplorable condition,” with floors soaked with urine so badly that they were rotting and caving in. The house has been condemned by the Town of Huntington.
Click here to see more pictures of the rescued animals.
Gross said the total number of dogs that had been inside the house was difficult to determine, as parts of dogs and skeletal remains were also found. The couple had previously claimed to have been living in the house at the time.
The pony has received medical treatment and is recovering very well. The current caretakers are considering adoption, Gross said.
The 115 dogs, most of which were crossbreeds of Pomeranian, Chihuaha and Yorkshire Terriers, are being distributed to numerous area shelters to be put up for adoption. Suffolk SPCA officials said each dog is undergoing thorough screenings to ensure they find the most suitable homes.
Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone added that town officials are considering waiving traditional adoption fees for the animals.
“In just the week I’ve worked with them I’ve seen 99 percent of them turn around,” said Flo Alvarado, who works for the Suffolk SPCA. “They are very loving.”
Here is a list of local shelters where the dogs can be adopted:
Town of Huntington Animal Shelter
106 Deposit Rd., East Northport
631-754-2030
Little Shelter
33 Warner Rd., Huntington
631-368-8770
Second Chance Rescue
1075 Portion Rd., Farmingville
631-484-2923
Almost Home Rescue
P.O. Box 350, Medford
631-627-3665
Last Hope Animal Rescue
P.O. Box 61, Syosset
631-425-1884
NY Plaintiff: Gay Benefits ‘Bigger Than Marriage’
Cuomo Takes High Midterm Grades Into Critical Year
