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- New York resident charged after 69 live cats and 24 dead ones are found in his home (the-independent.com)
A Long Island man faces animal cruelty charges after authorities discovered a shocking scene at his home: nearly 100 cats living in squalor, and nearly two dozen dead kittens stored in a freezer.
Stephen Glantz, 75, surrendered to authorities Wednesday following an investigation prompted by a tip about deplorable conditions at his residence, located approximately 50 miles east of Manhattan. Inside, officers found 69 living cats, many suffering from respiratory infections and eye ailments.
Tragically, three of these cats were in such dire condition that they had to be euthanized. In a grim discovery, authorities also found approximately two dozen deceased kittens in the freezer.
The Suffolk County SPCA described the home as uninhabitable, citing pervasive urine and feces covering the floors, walls, and stairs. The overwhelming ammonia smell led the town of Islip fire marshal to condemn the house.
The surviving cats are currently receiving treatment at the Islip town animal shelter and the SPCA’s mobile animal and surgical hospital. Efforts are underway to find adoptive homes for the animals, with over two dozen already transported to upstate New York for adoption. Donations are being sought to cover the costs of their ongoing care.
Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross described the conditions inside the home as “absolutely deplorable.” He noted the spongy floors saturated with urine and the overpowering ammonia stench.
According to Mr. Gross, Glantz’s wife passed away a month ago, and the couple had resided in the home for over 30 years.
The reason for the overwhelming number of cats remains unknown.
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- New York resident charged after 69 live cats and 24 dead ones are found in his home (the-independent.com)