Ronkonkoma woman pleads not guilty to 49 counts of animal cruelty
Authorities say they found animals in cages in nearly every room of the home.
Apr 22, 2024, 5:19 PM
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Linda Hart pleaded not guilty Monday to 49 counts of animal cruelty – she faces one for every animal rescued from her Ronkonkoma home earlier this month.
The dogs were found with matted hair, covered in urine and feces and infested with fleas and maggots, according to the SPCA. The home was deemed uninhabitable.
Authorities say they found animals in cages in nearly every room of the home.
Almost Home animal rescue, took in four of Hart's dogs and says it’s nearly impossible for one person to care for that many pets.
Four different rescues took other dogs, birds and cats found in the home. Almost Home is still looking for forever homes for two of hart’s dogs.
Hart's attorney says his client has suffered from mental health issues.
