Linda Hart, of Ronkonkoma, pleads not guilty to 49 counts of animal cruelty after SPCA finds filthy conditions
The SPCA rescuing a dog from a Motor Parkway home on April 2. Credit: James Carbone
A Ronkonkoma woman pleaded not guilty to 49 counts of animal cruelty after Suffolk County SPCA detectives seized 49 animals from her home earlier this month.
On April 2, SPCA officers served a search warrant at a Motor Parkway home following a complaint, where officials said Linda Hart, 79, had more than 40 dogs, cats and parrots in cages.
Animals were found covered in filth, with severely matted fur and thousands of maggots and flies, Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross said.
The air was so noxious that investigators had difficulty breathing. Some cages were stuck to the floor.
“One of our officers said it was the worst they’d ever seen,” Gross said. “We get a lot of cases like this where owners think they’re doing the right thing, but it’s just not fair to the animals.”
Islip Town Animal Shelter staffers and veterinarians cared for the animals, and local rescue groups took in many.
Hart faces up to 1 year in jail on the 49 misdemeanor charges and up to a $1,000 fine, Gross said.
Her attorney could not be reached for comment. She is due back in court May 7.
