EAST PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — A Long Island woman was arrested by detectives from the Suffolk County SPCA for animal cruelty and endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person, officials announced Wednesday.
Martha Gillette, 53, with was charged with multiple animal cruelty charges, alleging that she neglected nine dogs in her care by failing to provide a safe and clean environment, Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk SPCA said.
Upon executing a search warrant on Jan. 11, detectives found her home had noxious air, and the odor of feces, urine, and ammonia were so pungent it made SPCA personnel cough and gag upon entry and stung their eyes, officials said.
Additionally, the dogs found indoors had no access to water and were in an overcrowded, small pen.
The conditions inside were harmful to the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of a vulnerable adult living in the home under Gillette's care, authorities said.
Gillette was arrested on Jan. 11 and then released. She's due in court on Jan. 31.
Brookhaven Town code officials have since placarded her residence as unsafe for occupancy.
Gillette is due in court on Jan. 31.
The dogs are being socialized, SPCA officials said.
If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at (631) 382-7722.