A Fort Salonga woman is learning her Angel?s Gate home for animals may be as unwanted as the 200 pets that reside there.

Susan Marino and her partner Victor LaBruna say they started Angel?s Gate to provide love and comfort for sick, paralyzed or unwanted animals. However, the Town of Smithtown recently voted 4-1 to change its zoning laws after neighbors complained of trash, noise and the stream of volunteers who help Angel's Gate. Residents say an operation like Angel?s Gate should be restricted to a commercial or rural area.

Councilwoman Joanne Gray (R) cast the lone dissenting vote, saying the amendment was designed to zone out Angel?s Gate and is illegal. Marino says she has no intention of parting with her pets and will take them elsewhere if necessary. The state still needs to sign off on the zoning change before it can take effect.

Related Information: Angel's Gate