Suffolk DA to probe allegations of animal neglect at Holtsville zoo

The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office will investigate allegations of animal neglect at Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve after a request Monday from Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, who indicated the town might look to relocate at least some of the animals or close the facility.

Panico asked Suffolk prosecutors for a probe Monday following Newsday's exclusive coverage of allegations from seven former assistant animal caretakers at the facility. In interviews and in a 120-page document, they described dozens of examples of what they labeled as neglect at the town-owned zoo.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney confirmed Monday night that his office would do a probe.

"We were asked to take a look at it, and that's what we'll do," he said.

The former workers alleged animals were housed in dirty enclosures, medical problems were ignored for weeks and surgical procedures were performed without anesthetic by staff who lacked formal veterinary training or licenses.

They gave examples of alleged neglect that included ducks and roosters with chronic foot infections, a goat whose hooves were so overgrown she couldn’t walk properly, and a pig with abscesses on his feet so severe that he began to walk on his knees.

Panico referenced Newsday's story at a news conference Monday as he called for an independent probe of the facility. He said his "staff reached out to the district attorney’s representatives, and the response was positive, and it’s my understanding that they will take up an investigation."

When asked if he was considering changing the management of the zoo or closing it entirely, the Brookhaven supervisor answered: "Both."

Town officials previously told Newsday the facility houses more than 100 injured or non-releasable wild animals and farm animals, including a coatimundi, emus, foxes, a bobcat, birds of prey, cows and chickens.

Panico said he would consider shifting control of the zoo, which is operated by the town’s highway department, to the parks department. He also said he was open to the idea that the "exotic" animals could be transferred to "better habitats" so the zoo would house only "barnyard type animals."

The supervisor next posed what he called "the central question," asking: "Have we evolved as a town? Have we evolved as a society, and are there better locations for these animals?"

Panico said Monday he had met with several former zoo employees and had visited the facility in the fall, and while he hadn't seen any evidence of neglect, he would await the findings of a district attorney's office investigation.

The supervisor also noted the facility costs the town money. This year it had operating expenses of $1.18 million, and took in a little less than $219,000 in special event fees, donations and a state grant, according to town records.

The former employees who previously came forward to report their concerns have said they hope the animals can be relocated to accredited sanctuaries.

John Di Leonardo, president of the animal welfare group Humane Long Island, previously told Newsday he had contacted accredited sanctuaries and had been able to find spots for all the zoo animals to be relocated.

He has said the Holtsville zoo was based on an "antiquated" model of confining animals for entertainment rather than considering foremost their needs and welfare and that the town can place them "with reputable sanctuaries where they can live more natural lives."

Di Leonardo arrived at the zoo after the news conference Monday at town hall and asked Daniel Losquadro, the town's highway supervisor, for a meeting to discuss relocating animals. But Losquadro refused to engage with Di Leonardo.

Losquadro said at the zoo Monday that he would welcome an investigation so he could "show the public just what a wonderful facility this is." He previously told Newsday all animal care "is performed by, under the direction of, or approved by, a licensed veterinarian."

The highway supervisor also said Monday that those making neglect allegations "clearly have an agenda. They are anti-zoo."

In contrast, several of the former facility employees making the neglect allegations have said they aren't against spacious, well-run zoos and their criticisms relate to what they witnessed on the grounds.

Losquadro also gave a tour of the zoo to media members Monday afternoon, when several animals were visible in their enclosures, including goats, an arctic fox and a bald eagle.

The bear enclosure was empty Monday, with a note marking the recent death of its inhabitant Honey, who was euthanized last month. Former employees have alleged she suffered for years without pain medication from arthritis, urinary tract infections and broken and rotten teeth.

On Monday, Jessica Chiarello, hospital supervisor at Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, which previously treated one of the zoo's sick animals, said her organization was hoping "with recent news coverage and community awareness" that the town would be interested in a discussion about moving the animals to accredited sanctuaries.

The Holtsville facility isn't accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which requires members to adhere to certain standards of animal welfare and veterinary care. It is regulated under the 1966 Animal Welfare Act and must be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

A review of USDA inspection reports for the past decade found that the Holtsville facility was cited six times for poorly maintained pens.

With Grant Parpan