Alena Horbatko kept more than 100 cats, many critically ill, in 'horrendous' conditions at Glen Cove home, police say

A Glen Cove woman kept more than 100 cats, many critically ill, in "horrendous" and unsanitary conditions inside a home she shared with her two daughters, according to the Glen Cove Police Department and the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Alena Horbatko, 54, was arraigned Tuesday morning in Glen Cove City Court, where she pleaded not guilty to 67 counts of animal cruelty, two counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. She was released on her own recognizance. 

Judge Joseph Capobianco issued orders of protection directing Horbatko to stay away from her children and prohibited her from taking in more animals. She also signed a full surrender of all the animals, records show.

John Landis, who represented Horbatko during her arraignment, said his client "looks forward to addressing the allegations levied against her in court. We respect the judicial process and will work through this matter appropriately."

Officers responded to Horbatko's home on St. Andrews Lane around 1:30 a.m. Monday after receiving a call from her 18-year-old daughter complaining about the conditions she and her 12-year-old sister were living in, according to Gary Rogers, board president of the Nassau SPCA.

"It's a horrendous situation," he said. "Most of the cats are seriously sick."

Police said they encountered an "overwhelming and strong odor of urine and ammonia permeating throughout the residence," charging documents state. "The interior of the home was in an extreme state of unsanitary condition, including numerous litter boxes in a filthy condition; widespread animal feces throughout the premises and heavy accumulation of refuse."

Multiple containers of cat food were found scattered throughout the home, and water sources were not suitable for safe consumption.

Horbatko's older daughter told police that "there is so much stuff you can barely walk" and "I have developed breathing issues," charging documents state.

Members of the Glen Cove Fire Department and Nassau County Fire Marshal's Office conducted tests inside the home, showing ammonia levels reaching 18 parts per million — a level which, with prolonged exposure, can cause respiratory irritation and other adverse health effects, authorities said.

"The defendant was aware of the living conditions within the residence and nevertheless failed to take any reasonable steps to abate or correct the hazardous environment, thereby exposing the complainant and her minor sister to a substantial risk of serious physical injury," charging documents state.

After a search warrant was issued, police and SPCA officials rescued 65 cats and two dogs, officials said. The dogs, police said, were found outside near a kiddie pool of green water without access to food or clean water. 

Investigators returned to the home on Tuesday for another rescue operation, bringing the total number of cats saved to 120, Rogers said.

"We're probably going to go back there tomorrow," he added Tuesday evening. "We're setting traps to get them out. ... We set up a temporary shelter in the basement of Glen Cove City Hall."

The felines ranged in age from kittens to adults. In total, 43 of the cats are now in veterinary care because they're critically ill, police said.

The SPCA, Rogers said, had responded to the house before but was denied entry by Horbatko, who is due back in court on June 15.

Newsday's Nicholas Grasso contributed to this story.

By Robert Brodsky

robert.brodsky@newsday.com@BrodskyRobert

Robert Brodsky is a breaking news reporter who has worked at Newsday since 2011. He is a Queens College and American University alum.