More than two dozen abused animals were removed from a Brooklyn apartment, where they were cramped in cages, many covered with urine and feces, officials said Friday.
The rescued pets included 21 dogs, four cats and a pigeon. Authorities said many of the dogs suffered from severe flea infestation, and some of the pups were underweight.
Investigators said many of the dogs were being bred. One of the dogs recovered was dead.
Courtesy of the ASPCA
The ASPCA assisted the NYPD with the removal of nearly 30 animals from an Ocean Hill, Brooklyn, apartment on Thursday. (Courtesy of the ASPCA)
“The magnitude of this case highlights just how crucial it is for New Yorkers to report suspected animal cruelty in their communities,” Howard Lawrence, vice president of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement, said in a statement.
“By speaking up, residents across the city’s five boroughs play a pivotal role in protecting vulnerable animals and ensuring those in distress receive the urgent care they deserve.”
Foul odors coming from the Ocean Hill apartment led to a 911 call on Wednesday that revealed the place’s horrors. Responding cops executed a search order before launching a rescue operation.
Courtesy of the ASPCA
The ASPCA assisted the NYPD with the removal of nearly 30 animals from an Ocean Hill, Brooklyn, apartment on Thursday. (Courtesy of the ASPCA)
Cops arrested Jessica Styles, 45, who lived at the Herkimer St. address, charging her with 27 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.
“Keeping animals in horrid living conditions and failing to provide (for) their needs is a crime, and my office is committed to holding accountable anyone in Brooklyn who’s heartless enough to do that,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a statement.
“I’m grateful for those who reported this alleged large-scale abuse and for the ASPCA for rescuing and rehabilitating these maltreated pets.”
Courtesy of the ASPCA
The ASPCA assisted the NYPD with the removal of nearly 30 animals from an Ocean Hill, Brooklyn, apartment on Thursday. (Courtesy of the ASPCA)
The abused and neglected animals were transported to the ASPCA Animal Recovery Center in Manhattan and the ASPCA’s recently opened Recovery & Rehabilitation Center in the Hudson Valley.
The ASPCA screened and tested the animals, which were diagnosed with a variety of maladies including severe flea infestations. Younger dogs were underweight, while the older dogs had severe cases of untreated dental disease, officials said.
Veterinarians said the cats and dogs will need extensive medical and behavioral care.