Suffolk County, NY – A Bohemia man is facing multiple charges of animal cruelty after a disturbing situation was found at his home. According to the Suffolk County SPCA, 75-year-old Stephen Glantz had 69 living cats and approximately two dozen deceased cats (found in a freezer) at his home.
The SPCA describes the dismal conditions inside of Glantz’s home:
On the afternoon of Saturday, May 3rd, SPCA Detectives found dozens of cats, and their owner, living in alarming conditions with wet urine, smeared feces, grime, and filth covering the floors, walls, and stairs. The overpowering foul odors of feces, rot, grime, and ammonia were so severe SPCA Detectives requested the Town of Islip Fire Marshal’s Hazmat Team and Bohemia Fire Department Response Team. Islip Fire Marshals conducted an evaluation of the air and structure, high readings of ammonia gas were detected in the interior of the residence.
Adding:
SPCA Detectives found multiple wrapped items in a freezer containing over twenty deceased kittens.
The surviving cats were found to be in poor health, the SPCA said:
Many cats presented with medical conditions including upper respiratory infections, urine scalding, eye disease, dental disease, missing teeth, and ear discharge; three cats were in such severe physical condition they required humane euthansia. The cats are recovering at the Islip Animal Shelter and once medically stable will be available for adoption through the shelter.
The surviving cats were transferred to various rescue groups for care.
Glantz is charged with eighteen misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals and animal neglect; he is ordered to appear in court on May 23.
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2 Comments
The guy obviously loves cats but for reasons ( probably medical) was unable to look after them but more disturbingly was unaware he could not look after them. He lost his connection with the realities of the situation and would have continued if not intervention by authorities. These situations are really sad for the animals because they are trapped and suffer these horrible living conditions. Only positive is that the situation was finally discovered and at least some of the cats could be helped.
Surely, this has to be a case of mental illness!! Poor poor cats!