NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A 75-year-old Long Island man is charged with animal cruelty and neglect after nearly 100 cats were found both dead and alive but in poor conditions inside his home—and a new Suffolk County law will ensure he is added to an animal abuse registry if convicted.
“This bill will protect animals, and that’s why I’m signing it,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said. “We have an obligation to care for our pets and our animals.”
County SPCA detectives responded to the Bohemia home of Stephen Glantz on Saturday, May 3, and discovered nearly 100 cats either living in alarming conditions or dead, dozens of which were found in the freezer. The living cats were stuck in the home that was filled with wet urine, smeared feces, grimes and filth on the floors, walls and stairs.
Due to the overpowering foul odors in the home, detectives requested an air and structure evaluation from local officials, which found high readings of ammonia gas inside. The air quality combined with other code violations determined that the residence was uninhabitable.
Long Island Cat & Kitten Solution responded to the home that night to aid the removal of the cats, helping trap 61 live felines over the coming hours and day, some of which were found to be pregnant.
The cats were transported to Islip Town Animal Shelter and were provided medical care at the SPCA Mobile Animal & Surgical Hospital Unit. Dr. Jason Heller—president of the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association and an SPCA veterinarian—treated the cats and organized a push to spay, neuter, medically evaluate, treat and medicate them.
Many of the felines were found to have medical conditions like upper respiratory infections, urine scalding, eye disease, dental disease, missing teeth and ear discharge. Three were in such poor condition they required humane euthanasia.
The cats will be available for adoption at the Islip Town Animal Shelter, Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA and Saratoga County Animal Shelter once they recover.
Glantz is charged with nine counts of animal cruelty and nine counts of animal neglect. He is scheduled for arraignment on May 23.
“Upon conviction another name will be added to the animal abuse registry,” Roy Goss said.
According to the new law, once added to the registry a person cannot own any animal. If found in violation, the person could face up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
“When somebody abuses animals, they’re going to abuse animals again,” Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said.