BOHEMIA, N.Y. — Firefighters responding to reports of a strong ammonia odor in a Long Island home made a grim discovery Saturday, uncovering more than 70 cats—28 of them dead—inside the condemned residence.
The Bohemia Fire Department (BFD) arrived at the two-story home on May 3 after neighbors reported the foul smell. Upon entering, they found dozens of cats in dire conditions, prompting calls to the Suffolk County SPCA and the Town of Islip HazMat team for assistance.
Rescue Efforts in the Dark
With no electricity in the house, SPCA investigators used flashlights to search for surviving cats late into the evening. Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk County SPCA, confirmed that 61 live cats were rescued, many suffering from severe illness.
“They have a long road to recovery,” Gross told The New York Post. “Three of the cats had to be euthanized due to their condition.”
The deceased cats were found inside a freezer and scattered throughout the home, officials said.
A Case of Overwhelmed Caretakers
Neighbors told the Post that the home’s owners—a couple who frequently fed strays—had taken in numerous cats over time. After the wife died several weeks ago, her 75-year-old husband was left to care for the animals alone, leading to deteriorating conditions.
Urgent Need for Donations
The surviving cats are now being treated at the SPCA’s mobile clinic and the Town of Islip Animal Shelter. The organization is seeking $10,000 in donations to cover medical costs, noting that many felines require urgent care.
As of now, no charges have been filed against the homeowner, according to News 12.
The Suffolk County SPCA, Suffolk County Police, and BFD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for further comment.
How to Help: Donations for the cats’ care can be made through the Suffolk County SPCA.
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