Officials: Puppy mill probe shows need for enforcement

The investigation of an East Northport woman suspected of running a puppy mill illustrates the need for expanded enforcement power for local animal-control authorities, officials said yesterday.

Fifty-six dogs were taken on Tuesday from the home of Irene Monroig, 66, whom officials said was the subject of several complaints from neighbors.

Monroig also was disciplined seven years ago by the American Kennel Club for sloppy record keeping.

Monroig has not yet been charged. A spokesman for the Suffolk County district attorney's office said prosecutors are waiting for information from the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals regarding the health of the dogs before deciding how to proceed.

Cracking down on suspect breeders and pet stores is difficult because the local SPCA has limited investigatory powers, said Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk society.

The SPCA is not allowed by state law to inspect breeders or pet stores without "reasonable cause" to believe a crime has occurred, said Gross, who wants expanded duties for SPCA officers.

Two bills before state Senate and Assembly committees would give Suffolk the authority to inspect and fine pet dealers and breeders who neglect or abuse animals. "The state just doesn't have the manpower, the personnel, to do spot checks," said Suffolk County Legis. Jack Eddington (WF-Medford).

The state Department of Agriculture and Markets has a dozen employees - three for the New York metropolitan area - to inspect the state's licensed dealers and breeders, spokeswoman Jessica Chittenden said. Gross said the Suffolk SPCA has 50 to 60 personnel to help conduct inspections.

Hundreds of people inquired about adopting the dogs after authorities swarmed to the house following an anonymous complaint.

Complaints from neighbors about Monroig date back at least two years, Town of Huntington officials said yesterday during a news conference at the town animal shelter. But inspectors could not go into the house following previous complaints because Monroig was not home, said town public safety director Bruce Richard.

On Tuesday, town inspectors blocked Monroig's driveway on Wicks Road until she emerged from the house, Richard said. "When confronted, she willingly let us in," he said.

The dogs, many with matted fur, lived in cramped, filthy conditions with moldy food and feces, Gross said. "This is one of those houses that you go into and you never forget," he said.

Huntington officials said Monroig may be charged with housing code violations. "The house at this point is condemned because the conditions are deplorable," Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone said.

Monroig, whom officials suspect was breeding and selling puppies at her home, was suspended for five years and fined $1,000 in 2001 by the American Kennel Club, a club spokeswoman said. Officials of the club, which registers purebred dogs, said inspectors found that a litter of dogs she had registered were actually of mixed breed. Monroig's privileges are on hold pending the outcome of the Suffolk case, the spokeswoman said.

Efforts to reach Monroig and her attorney yesterday were unsuccessful. Her daughter, Suzanne Frayler, 41, of Manorville, said her mother had a minor stroke about a year ago.

Some neighbors and customers defended Monroig. "Irene loves her dogs," said groomer Joan Butkereit, 59, of Lynbrook, who said she has recommended Monroig to clients for 25 years. "A couple of years back, I saw her at an emergency vet clinic. There she was, assisting dogs in need in the middle of the night."

More than 1,000 people called the SPCA about adopting the dogs, Gross said. Most will be available for adoption in about a week, after examination by vets, he said.