BOHEMIA, N.Y. — Authorities discovered more than 70 cats—28 of them deceased—inside a condemned Long Island home on Saturday, May 3, after responding to reports of a strong ammonia odor.
The Bohemia Fire Department (BFD) arrived at the two-story residence following complaints about the smell. Firefighters then alerted the Suffolk County SPCA and the Town of Islip HazMat team, who found dozens of cats in dire conditions.
SPCA investigators, forced to use flashlights due to a lack of electricity, located 28 dead cats—some inside a freezer—and 61 surviving felines, many in urgent need of medical care. Three cats were later euthanized due to severe illness.
“They have a long road to recovery,” said Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk County SPCA. “They’re all very sick.”
Neighbors Describe Chaotic Situation
Neighbors told The New York Post that the home’s owners, an elderly couple, had been feeding stray cats, leading to an accumulation of animals inside. After the wife’s death several weeks ago, the 75-year-old husband struggled to manage the situation.
Rescue Efforts Underway
The surviving cats are now being treated at the SPCA’s mobile clinic and the Town of Islip Animal Shelter. The SPCA is seeking $10,000 in donations to cover medical expenses.
No charges have been filed against the homeowner, according to News 12.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Suffolk County SPCA, Suffolk County Police, and the BFD for further comment but did not receive an immediate response.
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