206 Animals Rescued from Squalid New York Hoarding Situation Where Elderly Woman Was Trapped

The animals were discovered living in extremely unsanitary and overcrowded conditions in the New York residence (Representational Image)

Northport, New York:

Authorities uncovered more than 200 animals at the residence of a wildlife rehabilitator in New York, where they also found a 95-year-old woman who was essentially confined to her room due to excessive clutter throughout the home.

On October 1, officials discovered 206 animals including cats, dogs, parrots, roosters, hedgehogs, chinchillas, guinea pigs, voles and flying squirrels at the Northport residence. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney described the situation as a "hoarding case," noting that the home was infested with insects and filled with debris, garbage and household waste that rendered certain areas completely inaccessible.

The animals were kept in cages under highly unsanitary and overcrowded conditions, with many having contaminated food and water sources, according to officials. Numerous animals were diagnosed with severe medical conditions and have been placed under veterinary care.

The 57-year-old wildlife rehabilitator and a 61-year-old male resident both face animal cruelty charges, while the rehabilitator faces an additional count of endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person. Prosecutors confirmed the 95-year-old woman was removed from the home, though no further details about her condition were released.

"The level of neglect was unconscionable as the animals were in poor condition and living in squalor," stated Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina.