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The horrendous conditions were found on Sunday, July 7, when Suffolk County SPCA detectives responded to a call from the Centereach Fire Department where multiple dogs and cats were found living in deplorable conditions. It appears that the fumes from the house set off their fire alarm, the Suffolk County SPCA said.
Ten dogs including beagles and chihuahuas and 20 cats were living in the single-family home at 86 Holbrook Road, Centereach which was covered with feces and urine, the SPCA said.
"The odor was overwhelming," they said.
After the find, the house was condemned as inhabitable by the Town of Brookhaven Attorney's Office.
All of the animals were surrendered and transported to the Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter for evaluation.
Residents Kathy V. Fortis, 56 and Henry Fortis, 56, were charged by SPCA detectives with misdemeanor animal cruelty and are scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 5.
Departments taking part in the incident included the Centereach Fire Department, Suffolk County Police Department, Brookhaven Fire Marshal, Brookhaven Animal Shelter and investigators from Brookhaven Attorney's Office.
Anyone who witnesses an act of animal cruelty, or have any information, are asked to call the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722. All calls will be kept confidential.
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