Hazmat teams and Suffolk SPCA respond to Ronkonkoma home; more than 40 animals removed

The head of the Suffolk County SPCA told News 12 they are "trying to place a lot of animals."

Thema Ponton

Apr 2, 2024, 9:06 PM

Updated 30 days ago

Share:

Hazmat teams, the Suffolk SPCA and multiple other county agencies were called Tuesday to a Ronkonkoma home.
Suffolk County police say the first officers arrived at 2478 Motor Pkwy. around 11:30 a.m.
Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk County SPCA told News 12 the agency was conducting an investigation at the home and executed a search warrant.
Gross says at last count, 46 animals, including birds and dogs, were taken out of the home.
He told News 12 that the subject of the investigation was charged with animal cruelty and the home was condemned.
News 12 was there as dozens of animals were taken out of the home, many of them in cages.
Catherine Rothmeier, of local animal rescue group The North Fork Country Kids, went inside the home after being called to help by the SPCA.
"You can't even like imagine, like you think you know, until you walk in and you're like, 'Wow,'" says Rothmeier.
She says she saw animals in crates in every room of the home, including a bathroom.
“Crates all over, like every room is packed with crates,” Rothmeier says.
Rothmeier says some of the animals looked like they needed medical attention immediately.
"The bottoms of their crates were just like matted with fur that they've shed."
Rothmeier added that her rescue group would try and take some of the animals and hopefully find foster homes for them.
The massive emergency response to rescue the animals included crews from multiple Suffolk agencies, including Town of Islip Hazmat, Animal Control, Suffolk police and the Lakeland Fire Department and EMS.
Gross told News 12 that one of his animal control officers at the home said it was the worst case of animal cruelty he'd ever seen.


More from News 12
2:12
Stony Brook University professor arrested during protest speaks exclusively with News 12

Stony Brook University professor arrested during protest speaks exclusively with News 12

2:31
Cooldown with sun for Friday; chances for wet weather for part of weekend

Cooldown with sun for Friday; chances for wet weather for part of weekend

2:32
Residents organize rally to demand cleanup of Bethpage Community Park

Residents organize rally to demand cleanup of Bethpage Community Park

1:53
Crowds gather again at Stony Brook University following night of 29 arrests during pro-Palestinian protest

Crowds gather again at Stony Brook University following night of 29 arrests during pro-Palestinian protest

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:29
Students at Wyandanch HS take part in 'Shark Tank' competition

Students at Wyandanch HS take part in 'Shark Tank' competition

0:44
Top LI basketball players compete in annual Alzheimer's All-Star Classic

Top LI basketball players compete in annual Alzheimer's All-Star Classic

1:03
Long Island Game Farm responds to USDA report on Bobo the giraffe's cause of death

Long Island Game Farm responds to USDA report on Bobo the giraffe's cause of death

0:22
Police: Man stole over $1,200 worth of clothes from Ralph Lauren in Deer Park

Police: Man stole over $1,200 worth of clothes from Ralph Lauren in Deer Park

0:23
3 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

3 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

0:35
Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

1:54
Find the perfect dining spot on the Nautical Mile in Freeport

Find the perfect dining spot on the Nautical Mile in Freeport

2:22
Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

1:21
DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

2:05
'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

0:32
Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

0:26
Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

0:24
Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:27
Town of Hempstead IDA holds hearing on Hillcrest of Floral Park apartments

Town of Hempstead IDA holds hearing on Hillcrest of Floral Park apartments