NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A Long Island woman was arrested last week after her golden retriever overdosed on opioids, prompting a Suffolk County SPCA search of her home that found she failed to provide a safe and clean environment for her six dogs, five cats, and a hamster.
An investigation into Juliana McGarity, 35, began after the SPCA received multiple complaints about the condition of her animals, including from a veterinarian who reported administering multiple doses of Narcan to her golden retriever to reverse its overdose in early July.
A search warrant was executed at the East Northport home on the morning of July 19, and detectives found that the animals were confined inside in unsanitary conditions. There was feces piled in cages and on the floor, and the stench of feces, rot, urine and ammonia was such that investigators gagged and could only tolerate short periods inside, the SPCA said.
The animals also had no access to clean water or food, and were covered in filth. They are now being medically treated at the Huntington Animal Shelter and will soon be available for adoption.
McGarity was arrested that day and charged with thirteen counts of animal cruelty and one count of endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person. The conditions in the home were found to be “materially harmful to the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of a vulnerable adult living in the home under McGarity’s care,” officials said.
She was arraigned the next day and pleaded not guilty to all charges, court records show. McGarity is expected back in court on Aug. 14.
Her home has been placarded as unfit for occupancy by Huntington Town Code officials.
Anyone who witnesses any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County is asked to contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722.