Over 200 animals found in deplorable conditions at Long Island veterinarian's home

Muri Assunção, New York Daily News on Oct 4, 2024

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NEW YORK — More than 200 animals in deplorable conditions were recovered from the Long Island home of a licensed veterinarian, the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said.

According to the nonprofit, the investigation into the shocking case of hoarding and animal neglect began on Wednesday, after a vet tech called to report the alleged abuse.

Detectives with the animal rights advocacy organization — whose agents can legally enforce animal cruelty laws as New York State peace officers — obtained a search warrant and went into the Woodbury home on Thursday.

The situation was described as one of the worst they’d ever seen. Aerial footage shot by NBC New York showed several NCSPCA investigators wearing hazmat suits entering the home, which is located in a heavily wooded area.

“We took animals, six dogs out of here yesterday, claws, nails were overgrown,” the group’s director, Gary Rogers, told News 12 Long Island. “We took pounds of fur off them. One was so sick, he’ll probably need to be euthanized, but that’s something we hate to do.”

Crews were also seen exiting the residence carrying exotic birds — for which the vet didn’t have permits — with their feathers covered in filth.

Detectives said there are also some dead animals in cages found outside the home.

Because of the horrific conditions, NCSPCA agents were forced to end their mission on Thursday and return Friday morning, when they were expected to rescue between 38 and 50 more animals, Newsday reported.

The veterinarian, later identified as 75-year-old Linda Pesek, was taken to a hospital for evaluation, Rogers said Thursday, adding she was expected to be charged with animal cruelty.

On Friday, News 12 reported she had been arrested.

An NCSPCA representative didn’t immediately return a request for comment Friday morning.