Target: Raymond A. Tierney, District Attorney of Suffolk County, New York
Goal: Seek maximum lawful penalties, lifetime animal-ownership bans, mandated mental health evaluation, and full restitution after hundreds of animals were reportedly confined in filthy, overcrowded cages with a vulnerable elder trapped upstairs.
Authorities executed a warrant at a Northport residence and reportedly found more than 200 wild and domestic animals in cramped, unsanitary conditions. Cages were allegedly caked with waste, food and water sources were described as unclean, and insects and other pests were reportedly rampant throughout the cluttered home. Prosecutors further allege that a 95-year-old woman lived on an upper floor, unable to move freely amid debris.
Accounts say species ranged from cats, dogs, and rabbits to parrots, tortoises, and flying squirrels. Many animals were reportedly crowded in ways that could cause stress, illness, and injury. Scenes like these, if verified, reflect prolonged neglect where vulnerable beings breathe foul air, stand in waste, and struggle for basic care. Responders removed the animals for evaluation and treatment, yet the scale described demands accountability that prevents repeat harm.
This petition urges a firm response that deters potential future hoarding. Courts can impose meaningful sentences, lifetime bans on owning or supervising animals, and mandated counseling where appropriate. Restitution should reimburse veterinary triage, boarding, rehabilitation, and agency costs. Transparent outcomes reassure the public that suspected cruelty meets serious consequences while partner rescues receive support for the heavy lift of recovery.
PETITION LETTER:
District Attorney Tierney,
Reports from your office describe a Northport case in which more than 200 animals were reportedly confined in filthy, overcrowded cages and a 95-year-old woman allegedly lived amid hazardous debris upstairs. These allegations, if proven, reflect sustained suffering for animals and serious risk to a vulnerable elder.
We respectfully urge your office to pursue every appropriate charge supported by the evidence and to seek maximum lawful penalties at disposition. Please request lifetime prohibitions on owning, keeping, breeding, or supervising animals, along with mandated mental health evaluation and counseling as the court deems appropriate. We also ask for full restitution to cover veterinary care, boarding, rehabilitation, and public-agency costs associated with seizure and treatment, and for unannounced compliance checks tied to any supervision.
A strong, transparent outcome will protect animals across Suffolk County, honor the work of rescuers who stepped in, and affirm that reported cruelty and endangerment carry serious consequences.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Alin Luna
