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Animal welfare

'Bald Ballerina' Maggie Kudirka Dies After Inspirational Cancer Battle, 33 'Bald Ballerina' Maggie Kudirka Dies After Inspirational Cancer Battle, 33
'Bald Ballerina' Maggie Kudirka Dies After Inspirational Cancer Battle, 33 The world lost an extraordinary spirit on Friday, Dec. 27, with the passing of Maggie Kudirka, lovingly known as the "Bald Ballerina. "Maggie, 33, succumbed to metastatic breast cancer at her home, surrounded by family, loved ones shared on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maggie Kudirka (@baldballerina) The Joffrey Ballet School, where Maggie trained, mourned her loss, calling her a “beautiful warrior.” “Maggie’s passion and grace will forever inspire us,” they wrote, reflecting on her profound impact on the dance and c…
'Deserved Better': DA Investigating Claims Countless Animals Died From Neglect At LI Preserve 'Deserved Better': DA Investigating Claims Countless Animals Died From Neglect At LI Preserve
'Deserved Better': DA Investigating Claims Countless Animals Died From Neglect At LI Preserve A formal investigation is underway into alleged animal neglect at a Long Island wildlife preserve following allegations by former employees. The Town of Brookhaven on Monday, Dec. 23, requested that the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office conduct an independent investigation into alleged neglect at the Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve. It followed claims by at least eight former employees that animals at the facility endured years of mistreatment. The Holtsville site is operated by the Town of Brookhaven under its Highway Department, which has faced criticism for its mana…
NY Pet Stores Face Deadline To Halt Sales Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits NY Pet Stores Face Deadline To Halt Sales Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits
NY Pet Stores Face Deadline To Halt Sales Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits Retail pet stores in New York will soon be prohibited from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits under a new state law aimed at ending the abusive practices of puppy mills.  Starting Sunday, Dec. 15, pet stores across the state must cease all sales, leases, or transfers of dogs, cats, and rabbits, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Friday, Nov. 22. James emphasized that the law, known as the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, is designed to disrupt large-scale breeding operations, often referred to as puppy mills, which have long been criticized for inhumane treatment and poor health …
Man, His Dog Struck, Killed While Walking On Long Island; Victim's ID Released Man, His Dog Struck, Killed While Walking On Long Island; Victim's ID Released
Man, His Dog Struck, Killed While Walking On Long Island; Victim's ID Released A man and his dog were both struck and killed while walking on a busy Long Island street. The incident happened in Amityville, near the intersection of Broadway and Loudon Avenue, at around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30. Suffolk County Police said the victim was walking his dog when they were struck by an Acura heading northbound on Broadway. The victim, identified as 52-year-old Roy Mathes, of Amityville, was taken to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, where he was pronounced dead, police said. His dog died at the scene. The driver of the Acura, a 47-year-old Amityville man…
RFK Jr. Drove Decapitated Dead Whale's Head To New York, Daughter Reveals RFK Jr. Drove Decapitated Dead Whale's Head To New York, Daughter Reveals
RFK Jr. Drove Decapitated Dead Whale's Head To New York, Daughter Reveals Even though Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dropped out of the presidential race, that hasn't stopped him from stirring yet another odd animal-related controversy thanks to a resurfaced interview with his daughter. In the 2012 interview with Town & Country Magazine, Kennedy's daughter, Kick, revealed that her father, the former independent presidential candidate who is now 70 years old, rushed to Squaw Island in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, in 1994 when she was just 6 years old.  This was after he heard that a dead whale had washed up on the shore. After an hours-long trip, Kennedy…
Long Island Man Will Never Own Animal After Confessing He Beat Chihuahua To Death Long Island Man Will Never Own Animal After Confessing He Beat Chihuahua To Death
Long Island Man Will Never Own Animal After Confessing He Beat Chihuahua To Death A 22-year-old Long Island man will never be allowed to own an animal after confessing that he beat a dog to death. Peter Minichello, of West Islip, was sentenced to four months in jail followed by five years of probation in Suffolk County Court on Monday, Aug. 19. It came months after he pleaded guilty to aggravated animal cruelty charges for beating his aunt’s 5-year-old chihuahua-mix, named “Pup-Pup,” in July 2022. Earlier Report: 21-Year-Old Beats Chihuahua To Death At Long Island Home While Mom's At Work, DA Says According to prosecutors, Minichello was left home with the dog w…
Apparent Drowning: Babylon Woman Pulled From Connetquot River ID'd In Oakdale Apparent Drowning: Babylon Woman Pulled From Connetquot River ID'd In Oakdale
Apparent Drowning: Babylon Woman Pulled From Connetquot River ID'd In Oakdale Authorities are investigating the apparent drowning of a woman on Long Island. The incident happened Sunday morning, Aug. 4, in Oakdale. An employee of the Oakdale Yacht Club, located at 520 Shore Drive, called 911 at 8:07 a.m. after observing a woman in the Connetquot River.  The woman, Catherine Andreau, age 62, of Babylon, was pulled from the water and pronounced dead at the scene, according to Suffolk County Police.  An investigation determined that Andreau, who was staying on a houseboat, jumped into the water at 1:30 a.m. to rescue her dog.  The dog was&nbs…
Mutilated Dog 'Niva' Euthanized After Long Island Man's Abuse, DA Says Mutilated Dog 'Niva' Euthanized After Long Island Man's Abuse, DA Says
Mutilated Dog 'Niva' Euthanized After Long Island Man's Abuse, DA Says A Long Island man is accused of mutilating his dog and then foregoing veterinary care for weeks, ultimately leading to the animal’s death. David Iglesias, age 34, of Bellport, was arraigned on animal cruelty and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Friday, July 12, in connection with the death of his female canine, Niva. According to the Suffolk County DA’s office, Niva was attacked by Iglesias’ other dog in November 2022, leaving her severely injured. Instead of seeking medical care, prosecutors said Iglesias brought Niva down to his basement, cut her injured ears off, and then use…
Dog Found Abandoned, Tied To Pole On Southern State Parkway Dog Found Abandoned, Tied To Pole On Southern State Parkway
Dog Found Abandoned, Tied To Pole On Southern State Parkway A female Mastiff dog was rescued after authorities found her tied to a light pole with a note and food bowl nearby. It happened on Monday, July 1 in Hempstead, according to New York State Police. At around 5:30 a.m. that morning, Troopers responded to calls about an abandoned dog tied to a light pole near Exit 21 on the Southern State Parkway. The dog, a white Mastiff named Roxi was found tied to the pole with a leash. There was a bowl full of food next to her, as well as a note, which read: “This is ‘Roxi,’ a trained American Bull Mastiff. She is 4 years old. She had been fed [sic] …
Long Island Game Farm Defends Late Giraffe's Care Following USDA Report Long Island Game Farm Defends Late Giraffe's Care Following USDA Report
Long Island Game Farm Defends Late Giraffe's Care Following USDA Report A game farm and zoo on Long Island, which housed a male giraffe named Bobo at the time of his death, has released a statement defending its care of the animal following an inspection report citing the animal suffered from malnutrition. The statement released by Long Island Game Farm, located at 489 Chapman Boulevard in Manorville, comes shortly after a USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) report came out indicating that Bobo may have been improperly cared for. “We are saddened by the misinterpretations of the report and the extent [to] which it has been used,” the farm …
Canines 'Thelma & Louise' Abandoned At Long Island Park; $5K Reward Offered For Information Canines 'Thelma & Louise' Abandoned At Long Island Park; $5K Reward Offered For Information
Canines 'Thelma & Louise' Abandoned At Long Island Park; $5K Reward Offered For Information Authorities are hoping that a cash reward will lead to an arrest after two small dogs were abandoned at a Long Island park. The mixed breed dogs, since named Thelma and Louise, were discovered at Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park on Tuesday, March 5, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Someone driving a tan or gold SUV was seen pushing the animals out of their car, releasing them into the park, and then fleeing. Passerby later found the dogs, ages 2 and 4, and brought them to the Town of Smithtown Animal Shelter, where staff said they were covered ticks. T…
These Long Island Businesses Cited For Illegally Selling Baby Chicks These Long Island Businesses Cited For Illegally Selling Baby Chicks
These Long Island Businesses Cited For Illegally Selling Baby Chicks With Easter almost here, authorities are cracking down on businesses accused of illegally selling baby chicks. Earlier report - Egg-cellent: DA Cracks Down On Illegal Sale Of Chicks, Bunnies, Ducks In Suffolk Over the past month, employees at three Suffolk County businesses were arrested for illegally selling the animals in quantities less than legally permitted, according to the DA’s office. The arrests were made at the following businesses: Long Island Poultry in Calverton - On March 3, employees reportedly sold Suffolk County Police detectives four baby chicks that were only a few days…
Egg-cellent: DA Cracks Down On Illegal Sale Of Chicks, Bunnies, Ducks In Suffolk Egg-cellent: DA Cracks Down On Illegal Sale Of Chicks, Bunnies, Ducks In Suffolk
Egg-cellent: DA Cracks Down On Illegal Sale Of Chicks, Bunnies, Ducks In Suffolk Those looking for an animal to go in their Easter basket should stick with the chocolate kind. Multiple Suffolk County businesses have been charged with misdemeanors for selling small quantities of day-old baby chicks, the Suffolk County DA announced on Wednesday, April 5. Baby chicks, bunnies, and ducklings are often purchased near Easter and are used for decorations or presents, DA Raymond A. Tierney said, adding that "animals are not toys or merchandise." They can sometimes be dyed in an assortment of colors, which can cause illness and death to the animal. Chicks, bunnies, and duck…
Scandal Escalates: Navy Vet’s Sick Dog Died After Santos Stole Charity Money, Report Says Scandal Escalates: Navy Vet’s Sick Dog Died After Santos Stole Charity Money, Report Says
Scandal Escalates: Navy Vet’s Sick Dog Died After Santos Stole Charity Money, Report Says This story has been updated to include a response from Rep. Santos.  The unraveling saga of embattled New York Rep. George Santos appears to have escalated beyond mere resume “embellishments” and possible campaign finance violations to the alleged cruel and heartless betrayal of a disabled military veteran. Richard Osthoff, a US Navy veteran from Howell, New Jersey, told Patch that he was put in touch with Santos in May 2016 to help raise money for his 10-year-old service pit bull, Sapphire, who had developed a life-threatening stomach tumor the year before. Earlier Report: Embattled NY …
'Standing Up For The Voiceless': Officials Hail New NY Law Limiting Pet Sales 'Standing Up For The Voiceless': Officials Hail New NY Law Limiting Pet Sales
'Standing Up For The Voiceless': Officials Hail New NY Law Limiting Pet Sales New Yorkers will soon have fewer options when it comes to finding their next furry friend under a new state law. Earlier report: Sale Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits In Stores Banned In NY Pet Stores Legislation signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday, Dec. 15, bans the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at retail pet stores. It will also allow pet stores to charge shelters rent to use their space for adoptions. Hochul’s office said the goal is to end the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline, where animals often suffer poor veterinary care, malnutrition, and a lack of socialization at the hands of ab…
Sale Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits In Stores Banned In NY Pet Stores Sale Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits In Stores Banned In NY Pet Stores
Sale Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits In Stores Banned In NY Pet Stores In an effort to end the "puppy mill pipeline," New York has banned pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits.  The legislation, which was signed into law on Thursday, Dec. 15, will prohibit the sale of these animals in pet stores across the state and instead encourage them to make space available to show pets up for adoption, according to Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, a Democrat who represents District 67 in Manhattan.  The ban comes as many pet stores across the nation have stopped selling live animals and have instead turned to selling items that pet owners need …
Horse Dies On Set Of HBO Series Being Filmed In NY Horse Dies On Set Of HBO Series Being Filmed In NY
Horse Dies On Set Of HBO Series Being Filmed In NY Following the death of a horse during the filming of an HBO series on Long Island, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is requesting the network investigate. The horse died in Nassau County on Tuesday, June 28, during the filming of the highly popular series "The Gilded Age." According to PETA, three whistleblowers said the 23-year-old horse sustained head trauma and was seen frothing at the mouth. “If it weren’t for these whistleblowers, the apparent death of this vulnerable horse would likely have been swept under the rug,” says PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo.…
Suffolk County Woman Accused Of Leaving Dog Outside In Sub-Freezing Temperatures Suffolk County Woman Accused Of Leaving Dog Outside In Sub-Freezing Temperatures
Suffolk County Woman Accused Of Leaving Dog Outside In Sub-Freezing Temperatures A Long Island woman was charged with animal cruelty after an animal welfare organization reported she left her 12-year-old dog outside in sub-freezing temperatures overnight. Holly Acker, age 42, was charged on Saturday, Jan. 22, with one count of animal cruelty and one count of violating the Suffolk County Code, according to the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The SPCA said Acker left the labrador mix dog in the cold for nearly 12 hours with no ready access to food or water. The temperature outside was between 17 degrees and 22 degrees, the report said. Ac…
Cat Found Shot On Long Island Cat Found Shot On Long Island
Cat Found Shot On Long Island An animal welfare organization is asking the public for information after a cat was shot and found suffering from serious injuries on Long Island.  The cat was discovered in the area of Southfields Road and West Lane in Aquebogue on Monday, Oct. 11, according to the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The cat, named Abraham by rescuers, was taken to an animal rescue hospital, where it was discovered that he was shot and had a pellet lodged in his spine. The Suffolk County SPCA and Strong Island Rescue are offering a reward of $4,000 for information that leads …
NY Man Accused Of Keeping Exotic Animals In Unsafe Conditions NY Man Accused Of Keeping Exotic Animals In Unsafe Conditions
NY Man Accused Of Keeping Exotic Animals In Unsafe Conditions A man has been accused of keeping a sloth and a wallaby in unsafe and unsatisfactory conditions in his New York home. The United States Department of Agriculture cited Long Island resident Larry Wallach after searching his East Rockaway home and allegedly found a sloth living in an enclosure in his garage during the June 2021 inspection. "Hanging from the ceiling in the interior of the sloth enclosure, is a light fixture and on the floor of the interior is a portable electric humidifier with the cord exposed," the USDA complaint said. "The sloth has access to the exposed ligh…
Urgent Plea For Pet Adoptions Issued After More Than 70 Cats Rescued From Nassau County Home Urgent Plea For Pet Adoptions Issued After More Than 70 Cats Rescued From Nassau County Home
Urgent Plea For Pet Adoptions Issued After More Than 70 Cats Rescued From Nassau County Home An animal welfare organization has issued an urgent plea for help after more than 70 cats were rescued from a home on Long Island. The Nassau County SPCA said in a post on Friday, Oct. 8, that the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter needs help with the cats rescued from the Bellmore home.  The organization said it is asking shelters and rescue groups to help accommodate the cats.  "PLEASE visit Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter to meet their wonderful cats!" the SPCA said. "Rescuing one literally saves another!" URGENT PLEA‼️ Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter needs your help with 70+ cats…
Reward Offered BY Suffolk County SPCA After Rabbits Found Abandoned At Area Park Reward Offered BY Suffolk County SPCA After Rabbits Found Abandoned At Area Park
Reward Offered BY Suffolk County SPCA After Rabbits Found Abandoned At Area Park A reward has been offered for information that leads to the arrest of a person who abandoned five rabbits at a Long Island park. The Suffolk County SPCA issued a $2,000 reward as they seek information regarding a complaint of five domestic rabbits that were abandoned in Greentree Park on the corner of Atrium and Radburn Lane, Farmingville. Officials said that the rabbits were left in a diaper box while noting that “domestic rabbits cannot survive in the wild.” The investigation into the abandoned rabbits is ongoing and Suffolk County SPCA detectives are currently canvassing the area for …
Man Charged With 92 Counts Of Animal Neglect On Long Island Man Charged With 92 Counts Of Animal Neglect On Long Island
Man Charged With 92 Counts Of Animal Neglect On Long Island The Suffolk County SPCA has arrested an area man on 92 violations for failing to provide food and water to several animals in his care. SPCA Detectives arrested Marlon A. Alzate, 29, of Elmhurst, on Thursday, Nov.19, while he was appearing in a Queens courtroom on an unrelated charge.  SPCA Chief Roy Gross said that the agency received a complaint in early October that there were horses, a dog, a variety of avian and foul being kept on a piece of property in Manorville in various stages of declining health.  A veterinarian was called in to examine the animals and they were succes…
Dead, Living Cats Found At Feces-Filled Long Island Home Dead, Living Cats Found At Feces-Filled Long Island Home
Dead, Living Cats Found At Feces-Filled Long Island Home Horrible and horrendous were the words used to describe a Long Island home that was found filled with cats, both dead and alive. The situation inside the home located on Trafalgar Square in Valley Stream came to light on Tuesday, Feb. 11, when the woman living inside had some type of emergency and a neighbor called for help, said Det. Gary Rogers, a spokesman for the Nassau County SPCA. Conditions were so bad inside the home that had no power, including more than two feet of human feces in the bathroom, and other feces throughout the residence, that rescue personnel had to wait until daylig…
SPCA Seizes Nine Sick Puppies From Outside Long Island Pet Store SPCA Seizes Nine Sick Puppies From Outside Long Island Pet Store
SPCA Seizes Nine Sick Puppies From Outside Long Island Pet Store Nine sick puppies were seized from a delivery truck outside Shake A Paw pet store in Hicksville by officers with the Nassau SPCA. The seizure was part of an ongoing investigation into a pipeline of sick animals being transported from out of state for sale on Long Island, SPCA officials said. The puppies were found inside a delivery truck by SPCA detectives at the back entrance to the Shake A Paw's Hicksville location. The organization's Executive Director, Maria Mora, said the puppies seized on Wednesday, Dec. 18, have been fully examined and in conclusion, all puppies tested pos…
Photos: Three Injured, Two Dogs Killed After Fire Breaks Out At Adjacent Long Island Homes Photos: Three Injured, Two Dogs Killed After Fire Breaks Out At Adjacent Long Island Homes
Photos: Three Injured, Two Dogs Killed After Fire Breaks Out At Adjacent Long Island Homes Two dogs are dead and three suffered injuries after a massive house fire broke out in Elmont, which spread to a second home, officials said. First responders were dispatched to Oakley Avenue at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, the Nassau County Police Arson and Bomb Squad reported. Upon arrival, first responders found the house at 146 Oakley fully engulfed, and the fire quickly spread to a neighboring home. Crews from the Elmont Fire Department and Franklin Square Fire Department responded to knock down the flames, which did extensive damage to both homes. According to police…
Six Dogs Left Outside In Freezing Temperatures Rescued On Long Island Six Dogs Left Outside In Freezing Temperatures Rescued On Long Island
Six Dogs Left Outside In Freezing Temperatures Rescued On Long Island With temperatures dropping to below-freezing temperatures overnight, police in Suffolk County rescued six dogs that were left outside in Manorville. Suffolk County Police officers responded to a Manorville business at approximately 10:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, where there was a report of dogs left outside. Suffolk County Police said that when the officers arrived at the non-residential area on Toppings Path near County Road 111, they found six unattended dogs, two on chains and four in cages, without access to proper shelter. The temperature at the time of the rescue was 25 degrees Fah…
Video: Woman Climbs Into Lion's Den At Bronx Zoo, Appears To Taunt Animal Video: Woman Climbs Into Lion's Den At Bronx Zoo, Appears To Taunt Animal
Video: Woman Climbs Into Lion's Den At Bronx Zoo, Appears To Taunt Animal A trespasser at the Bronx Zoo was able to escape unharmed after she leaped into the African lion exhibit and appeared to taunt one of the animals in a video that went viral on social media over the weekend. The woman, donning a gray T-shirt and black pants, hopped over the barrier at the zoo on Saturday, Sept. 28, and could be seen dancing in front of a lion who gave her a death stare. The video was later posted on Instagram and went viral. Officials said the woman was able to exit the exhibit before the lion reacted to her unexpected visit. Her name has not been released, and no injuries w…
Dog In Long Island Shelter, Smart, Enjoys Nature, Needs Home Dog In Long Island Shelter, Smart, Enjoys Nature, Needs Home
Dog In Long Island Shelter, Smart, Enjoys Nature, Needs Home Eight years is long enough for a smart dog who loves belly rubs and romps on the nature trail to live in a shelter.  Nine-year-old pit bull Zeus also enjoys treats and playing with toys, according to Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter Education Program Coordinator Genna Tudda. "He is a goofy guy with a very loving personality. He has even appeared on New 12 Long Island with the Town of North Hempstead Supervisor, Judi Bosworth," Tudda said. What's more? Zeus knows all of his commands "and then some. He is always impressing us with his smarts." Tudda added, "He has nothing but lov…
Reward Increased To $20K For Bald Eagle Stolen From LI Wildlife Refuge Reward Increased To $20K For Bald Eagle Stolen From LI Wildlife Refuge
Reward Increased To $20K For Bald Eagle Stolen From LI Wildlife Refuge Have you seen Sam? A reward has increased to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a person who stole a bald eagle from a wildlife refuge on Long Island. Currently, The Nassau and Suffolk SPCA, and Suffolk County Crime Stoppers are offering rewards totaling $20,000 for information leading to the person that stole Sam in the early morning hours Tuesday, July 16, according to Suffolk County SPCA. Officers responded to the Quogue Wildlife Refuge at 3 Old County Road Tuesday, July 16 on a report of a missing bald eagle, according to the Quogue Village Police…
Me-Ouch! New York Becomes First State In Nation To Ban Declawing Cats Me-Ouch! New York Becomes First State In Nation To Ban Declawing Cats
Me-Ouch! New York Becomes First State In Nation To Ban Declawing Cats New York has officially become the first state in the nation to ban the declawing of cats. Earlier this year, the New York Senate and Assembly voted to approve legislation that would eliminate the declawing of cats, following similar laws in Denver and various towns in California. On Monday, July 22, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed that bill into law, making the Empire State the first to ban the “cruel and painful procedure” that many an owner has forced on their felines. “Declawing is a cruel and painful procedure that can create physical and behavioral problems for helpless animals, an…