NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — A 56-year-old woman was charged in an 88-count indictment for animal cruelty after hoarding over 20 dogs and cats who were found living inside a filthy home, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Thursday.
Elizabeth Grant, 56, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, overdriving, torturing or injuring an animal, criminal contempt and failing to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal.
The criminal contempt charge stems from an alleged violation of a standing court order that Grant shall not own, harbor or have custody or control of any animal through April 30, 2028, authorities said.
Police executed a court-authorized search warrant for Grant's two-story home in Jackson Heights on May 21.
According to the charges, there was a very strong odor of ammonia at the entrance and numerous dogs could be seen on the first floor, as well as one deceased cat under a table.
After entering the residence, the police officer allegedly observed feces, fur and urine on furniture, as well as the floor. There was an infestation of flies, trash and clutter.
The animals did not have accessible water, were living in squalid conditions amid feces and urine-caked floors, and three cats were found dead in the home, prosecutors added.
Grant is expected to return to court on Sept. 27.
If convicted, she faces up to two years in jail.
"Pets are not collectibles. They require care, adequate food and water, and a
clean place to live. Sadly, this defendant is charged with doing little more than accumulating pets and failing to provide the basic sustenance for life," DA Katz said. "Three animals are dead as a result of this defendant's alleged negligence and the others suffered from diseases and other ailments."
