SPCA: West Islip homeowner charged with animal neglect after more than 100 cats rescued from the property
Officials from the Suffolk County SPCA and other rescue groups called the conditions inside "deplorable."
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A West Islip homeowner has been charged with animal neglect after more than 100 Maine Coon cats were discovered in what investigators called a deplorable animal hoarding situation inside a house, Suffolk County SPCA officials told News 12 today.
Officials did not reveal the homeowner's name or how many charges they're facing at this time.
The investigation started after officials received an anonymous tip that multiple animals were not being properly cared for at 1124 Patricia Ave.
Officials checked on the home and found what they described as awful conditions inside, including an overwhelmingly strong odor of urine, cat feces everywhere and animals that were injured. Investigators said the homeowner had been using a trailer structure on the property for additional space.
Many animal rescues across Long Island stepped up to take in cats.
According to the Suffolk County SPCA, the homeowner had been breeding Maine Coon cats out of their home for the last 20 years. The business owner appears to have taken down their website and social media accounts, but they were active as recently as yesterday, listing cats for sale for thousands of dollars each.
News 12 attempted to speak with someone at the home yesterday, but a woman declined to comment.
Investigators are still looking into whether the homeowner was licensed to breed cats and how the situation got to this point.
Suffolk County SPCA officials believe all of the cats have been removed from the home, but will send investigators back today because cats can be elusive and they want to rescue any that could still be hiding inside.
All of the rescued cats will be seen by veterinarians, rehabbed and then put up for adoption.
