NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – A Long Island woman was charged with animal cruelty after police discovered a puppy living in unclean and unsafe conditions inside her home, the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced Thursday.
Kathleen O'Brien, 63, was charged with multiple misdemeanor animal cruelty offenses. Authorities allege she neglected her five-year-old Labrador mix by failing to provide a safe and clean environment.
Detectives executed a search warrant on the evening of Dec. 11 and found the home in deplorable conditions. Garbage, filth, grime, feces, urine, and hundreds of dead flies were scattered throughout.
The stench of ammonia, urine, rot, and feces was so overwhelming that SPCA personnel coughed, gagged, and experienced stinging eyes upon entry.
Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The dog was found with large patches of missing fur, red and irritated skin, open sores around the ears, overgrown nails, and difficulty walking once outside the debris-filled home. Investigators noted garbage and clutter piled over five feet high, forcing the dog to crawl through the mess. Filthy food and water bowls were also present.
O'Brien was arrested last week at Stony Brook Hospital and later released. Brookhaven Town Code officials have since declared the home unsafe for occupancy.
She is set to appear in court on Dec. 27.
