Suffolk DA asked to investigate neglect allegations at Holtsville Ecology Center
This comes as several former employees of the center and Humane Long Island say animals endured years of abuse at the site.
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Brookhaven town officials ask the Suffolk District Attorney to investigate allegations of neglect at the Holtsville Ecology Center.
This comes as several former employees of the center and Humane Long Island say animals endured years of abuse at the site.
Animals come to the center after being injured or kept illegally as pets and cannot be released into the wild.
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico says he asked the district attorney to conduct an independent investigation.
"It's my understanding that they will take up an investigation,” said Panico. "I was troubled then. I remain troubled now because the care of animals in our custody is of paramount importance."
Humane LI executive director John Di Leonardo shared videos with News 12 from former center employees who allege animals suffered at the facility, including Honey the bear who passed away last month.
"Alleging that you had non veterinary staff performing surgeries on animals. You're giving animals expired medication that's meant for other animals. That you're literally cutting staff infection off of animals instead of giving them antibiotics," he said.
Brookhaven's Highway Department oversees the site and Supervisor Panico says the SPCA has been in regular contact with the highway superintendent.
Brookhaven Town Highway Supervisor Daniel Losquadro says they welcome an investigation and encourage regulatory agencies to come to the site.
"Show the public just what a wonderful facility this is and just how well these animals are actually cared for,” he said.
Supervisor Panico says the future of the center will be considered, after the district attorney's investigation. He says the town is open to moving more exotic animals to more hospitable sites.
