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Karin Keyes, the owner of the Brookhaven residence on Miller Place, was charged with multiple counts of cruel confinement of animals under the Agriculture and Markets Law, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
An investigation known as "Operation Open Cage” began on Saturday, Oct. 1, after Biological, Environmental and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) investigators were contacted by Town of Brookhaven Animal Control officers who reported a hoarding situation at the residence, the DA's Office said.
Tierney said officers reported finding the following animals within the residence:
- 118 rabbits
- 150 birds
- 15 cats
- Seven tortoises
- Three snakes
- Several mice
According to the report, the animals were "living among filth," with many animals surrounded by their feces and urine and "covered in vermin."
Authorities estimated that there were tens of thousands of cockroaches in the residence, Tierney said.
A Town of Brookhaven building inspector condemned the property as uninhabitable, the DA's Office reported.
“The level of cruelty and the abhorrent conditions that the animals were subjected to is beyond comprehension," Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner said. "The awful neglect that they were forced to endure cannot be excused or explained in any way."
The DA's Office said some of the animals were suffering from untreated medical conditions and are being removed from the home with assistance from the ASPCA.
The animals are being taken to animal welfare organizations throughout New York to receive care, Tierney said.
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