Bay Shore, NY – Authorities rescued over two dozen dogs from a Long Island home condemned due to severe hoarding conditions and dangerously high levels of ammonia from animal waste. The incident has reignited concerns about repeat animal neglect and public health hazards in the Bay Shore community.
Dogs Found in Deplorable Living Conditions
On Richland Boulevard in Bay Shore, 25 dogs were discovered living in unsanitary conditions, according to the Suffolk County SPCA. The interior of the home was so contaminated with urine and feces that responding officers had to wear hazmat suits and oxygen masks.
“They wore hazmat suits, they needed to wear oxygen masks, a couple of them,” said local resident Melissa Sutch, in an interview.
The dogs were found with severely matted fur, flea infestations, and signs of neglect. No windows were open, despite recent heatwaves, raising concerns among neighbors who had been reporting the issue for weeks.
Neighbors Say They Warned Authorities for Years
Frustrated neighbors said the situation had become a public nuisance. One resident, Martin Foraro, shared that this wasn’t the first time such an incident occurred at the same address.
“She was caught with like 20-something dogs and 16 cats [back in 2017],” he said.
Residents reported strong odors and barking for months. Despite repeated complaints, action was only taken after conditions inside the home became unlivable and a full-scale rescue became necessary.
Homeowner Denies Hoarding, Cites Health Issues
The homeowner, Robin Mills, pushed back against the allegations, claiming the number of dogs was exaggerated. According to her, several of the animals did not belong to her.
“There weren’t 25; there were less… two of them were mine, three belonged to my friend Paul,” Mills told.
She also shared that she is currently battling cancer and had only been temporarily caring for dogs for others. Despite this, Mills admitted she had not been living inside the house at the time of the investigation.
SPCA Taking Steps for Dog Recovery and Adoption
The Suffolk County SPCA confirmed the dogs are now receiving medical attention and will remain in protective custody for 10 days. After this observation period, they will likely be placed up for adoption.
“All animals rescued from the home are safe, and we are committed to ensuring they receive proper care,” said an SPCA spokesperson.
The home itself has been condemned, though Mills is being allowed access to make necessary repairs.
A Repeat Offender?
This is not the first time Mills has been at the center of an animal hoarding case. Records and neighbor accounts reveal a similar situation in 2017, which also involved dozens of pets living in unsanitary conditions.
The SPCA and local officials are expected to monitor the property going forward to ensure no further violations occur.
Should repeat animal hoarders face stricter legal penalties? Share your thoughts in the comments. Visit latestsports.online for more local updates.
