ToH Animal Control in Wantagh Saves 17 Severely Neglected Dogs

In a heartbreaking rescue, Hempstead Town Animal Control officers saved 17 severely neglected dogs from an unidentified Rockville Centre home on Wednesday afternoon.

Town officials found 17 dogs, along with four dead dogs and a dead cat, in the village home. The rescued dogs were transported to the in Wantagh where they received medical attention and thorough cleaning and grooming.

The animals rescued included 14 cocker spaniels, a Papillon, a black Labrador mix and a Golden Retriever. The surviving dogs were urine soaked and their fur was matted and filthy.

Shelter staff removed 10 pounds of matted hair from the rescued animals. Many of the dogs suffered from ear infections and eye irritations from the home's poor air quality. A veterinarian was called to respond to the town's animal shelter to examine all of the dogs last evening and prescribe indicated treatments and medication.

Drawing upon the terrible event, Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray called upon Long Islanders who "see something" to "say something," emphasizing the need for people to report suspected animal abuse and neglect.

"It is incomprehensible and heartbreaking that 22 animals were living in conditions that constitute abject neglect," Murray said. "I want to make sure that the four dogs and one cat who did not survive the 'living hell' at a Rockville Centre home did not die in vain. In the memory of these beautiful creatures, I'm calling upon residents who 'see something' to 'say something.' Neighbors who see, hear or have reason to suspect animal abuse or neglect need to speak out for the animals and report it."

Town officials indicated that the case has been referred to the Nassau District Attorney's Animal Abuse Division for investigation. Meanwhile, the Hempstead Supervisor indicated that the town would vigorously oppose and fight any efforts by the owner of the dogs to recover the neglected animals. Moreover, Murray stated that her goals were to first ensure the health of all of the animals and to find them loving homes.

"We've reported this serious case to the district attorney for investigation," noted Murray. "Our goal is to be vigilant in stopping those who abuse and neglect animals in their tracks. What's more, I will fight any efforts by the person who neglected these animals to recover any of them. They've been through enough!"