Suffolk SPCA: 28 cats found dead inside of Bohemia home; 61 recovered alive
Hazmat crews responded to the home on Saturday due to a possible ammonia leak.
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An animal rescue volunteer says 61 cats are in a mobile unit at the Islip Animal Shelter, rescued from a house in Bohemia where another 28 were found dead.
News 12 was told 24 cats were found dead in a freezer at the home on Westminster Drive.
John DeBacker, with Long Island Cat Kitten Solution, says he was asked by the Suffolk SPCA to help round up the cats – both dead and alive.
“I heard there was at least 24 deceased cats in the freezer and then we found two deceased kittens in the box spring," said DeBacker.
DeBacker says the conditions inside of the house were horrible, with feces and urine all over the floors and walls.
News 12 tried speaking with the homeowner Saturday when the original call came in about a possible ammonia leak. He declined to talk.
The Bohemia Fire Department says the house is condemned.
The homeowner is not facing charges, and the SPCA says it’s an active investigation.
DeBacker says many of the recovered cats require urgent medical attention.
“It's horrific how someone can let it get this bad,” he said. “People need to start spaying and neutering their pets. It probably started with two cats, and they just kept reproducing in the house, and eventually it just became too overwhelming."
The Suffolk SPCA says an estimated $10,000 is needed for veterinary bills to nurse the cats back to health. Anyone interested in helping with the costs can donate directly to the SPCA.
