Nassau County SPCA: Woodbury veterinarian under arrest after 200 animals found living in deplorable conditions in her home
A search warrant was executed at 410 Woodbury Road after the Nassau County SPCA received a call from a vet technician on Wednesday about the animals.
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Nassau County SPCA detectives say a Woodbury homeowner, who is a veterinarian, has dogs, cats, exotic birds, turtles and other reptiles, geese and other waterfowl living in awful conditions in the middle of garbage and hoarded items piled high.
“We took animals, six dogs out of here yesterday, claws, nails were overgrown. We took pounds of fur off them. One was so sick, he’ll probably need to be euthanized, but that’s something we hate to do,” said Gary Rogers, a detective with the Nassau County SPCA.
Detectives say there are also dead animals in cages outside the house. The cleanup and removal of all the animals will take several days.
A neighbor, Kiran, who lives next door to the house says she had no idea this was going on.
“It’s sad because I heard that the dogs were in very bad condition and it hurts to see that, to hear that, you know, if the dogs are not treated or taken care of," they said.
“There were reports that something was going on here nine years ago, but she lawyered up, and we were not allowed on the property anymore," said Rogers.
Authorities have identified the woman as 75-year-old Linda Pesek.
Pesek denied the claims and says nothing was wrong with the animals.
“They can say what they want to say, from what I understand the birds were healthy,” Pesek said.
John Di Leonardo, executive director of Humane Long Island, says he saw at least a half a dozen dead animals in the home.
The Nassau County SPCA, a nonprofit organization, is accepting donations to rehabilitate the animals. To find out how to donate, visit this link.
