Target: Raymond A. Tierney, District Attorney of Suffolk County, Hauppauge, New York
Goal: Seek maximum lawful penalties, lifetime animal-ownership bans, mandated mental health evaluation, and full restitution after hundreds of animals were reportedly kept in overcrowded, filthy cages alongside a vulnerable elder.
Authorities reportedly found more than 200 animals inside a severely cluttered residence, including dogs, cats, ferrets, parrots, tortoises, flying squirrels, and chickens. Officials say cages sat amid piles of waste with foul water and scant food, while insects and other pests infested rooms. A 95-year-old woman was reportedly trapped by debris and removed during the operation. Rescue groups describe animals suffering from infections and extreme neglect before removal.
Responders seized surviving animals within hours, according to statements, and began veterinary triage. Advocates say wild species will receive specialized care before release or transfer to sanctuaries, while domestic pets will enter adoption pathways once medically cleared. Prosecutors have filed multiple animal-cruelty counts, along with a charge involving endangerment of a vulnerable elder. Given the scale, prosecutors should pursue a sentence that deters future hoarding, protects the public, and prevents repeat harm.
Meaningful accountability must include lifetime bans on owning or supervising animals, unannounced compliance checks, counseling where indicated, and restitution covering medical care, boarding, and rehabilitation. Transparent updates on case progress, animal outcomes, and costs can help restore community trust while supporting partner rescues shouldering round-the-clock care.
PETITION LETTER:
District Attorney Tierney,
Your office reports that a large hoarding case in Suffolk County involved hundreds of animals confined amid filth, with many species overcrowded in cages and a 95-year-old woman found in hazardous conditions. Rescuers describe serious illness and infection among animals removed for care. These allegations, if proven, reflect prolonged suffering and grave risk to a vulnerable person.
We respectfully urge you to seek maximum lawful penalties supported by the evidence, along with lifetime prohibitions on owning, keeping, breeding, or supervising animals. Please request mandated mental health evaluation and counseling where appropriate, unannounced compliance checks, and restitution that covers veterinary treatment, diagnostics, boarding, and agency costs. Public updates on case milestones and animal outcomes would further reinforce confidence that justice proceeds with urgency and care.
A firm, transparent outcome will deter future hoarding, protect vulnerable people and animals, and honor the immense workload now borne by local rescues and volunteers.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Cephas
