Woman faces 88 charges for allowing pets to live in inhumane conditions – Telemundo New York (47)

NEW YORK – A 56-year-old Queens woman has been charged with 88 counts of animal cruelty, criminal contempt and other crimes for allegedly keeping more than 20 dogs and cats in a filthy two-story home in Jackson Heights, prosecutors said today. Thursday.

Elizabeth Grant reportedly kept the animals in miserable conditions amidst feces and urine-filled mares. Three cats were found dead in the house. The animals that lived there had no access to clean water, prosecutors say.

According to the allegations, police executed a court-authorized search warrant for Grant’s home in May. At the entrance there was a strong smell of ammonia and several dogs could be seen on the first floor, as well as a dead cat under a table. Once inside, officers observed that there was feces, hair, and urine on the furniture, as well as on the floor. According to the investigation, there were also flies, trash and clippings throughout the first floor.

According to the criminal complaint, 26 dogs and 12 cats were rescued from the home. A veterinary examination determined that the Shih Tzu mix, which was approximately 3 years old, was severely overweight, had fur covered in urine and feces, an inflamed skin condition, and a corneal ulcer in her left eye . A male Shih Tzu dog was neutered, neutered and overweight. This dog was blind in the right eye, probably due to a broken cornea. It is not clear how the cats died.

The veterinarian said that the environment where the animals were living was completely inadequate and sufficient to maintain their health, according to the complaint. The overwhelming smell made it difficult for pets to breathe. Overcrowded, unsafe and dirty conditions exacerbated medical problems and caused suffering, discomfort and pain.

The Grant house showed signs of being run down. The staircase was so damaged that first responders had to use a ladder to get to the second floor. The first floor ceiling appeared to be peeling and rotting due to liquid damage, authorities said. The smell of ammonia was so strong that it caused eye irritation, and New York City Police and ASPCA members at the scene had to wear respirators and protective clothing.

Grant was ordered to return to court in September. The contempt charge arises out of a violation of a permanent court order stating that the defendant shall not own, harbor or control any animals until April 30, 2028. There was no the circumstances behind that order clear.

His attorney did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Grant faces up to two years in prison if convicted.

“Pets are not collectibles. They need care, proper food and water, and a clean place to live,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. “Unfortunately, [Grant] accused of doing little more than collecting pets and not giving them the basic nourishment of life. “Three animals died as a result of this defendant’s negligence and the others suffered from illness and other ailments.”

“The seriousness of this recycling hoarding situation, which has caused untold suffering for animals and put a huge strain on local resources, shines a light on the complexity and far-reaching effects of animal hoarding,” said Stacy Wolf , senior vice president of Policy, Response and Engagement at the ASPCA. “These animals, and the rescue teams that helped bring them to safety, were exposed to danger…and dire situations.”

The animals were sent to the ASPCA Animal Rehabilitation Center in Manhattan for immediate medical care and transportation. Some of the animals exhibited fearful behavior and entered ASPCA rehabilitation programs.