Officials: Cats seized from North Bellmore home after neighbors report of suspected cruelty

About a dozen cats were seized from a North Bellmore home Monday after neighbors reported suspected animal cruelty to the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County officials said.

The cats rescued at a home on Washington Boulevard near New York Avenue have respiratory infections, eye infections and other ailments, said Nicole Turso, a spokeswoman from the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. Ammonia levels inside the home were toxic, Turso said.

It’s estimated that more than 30 cats were in the home, Turso said, adding that the rescue operation is expected to last through the week.

The rescued cats were taken to the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh.

In a statement, the Town of Hempstead said the town’s animal shelter mobile veterinary unit has been deployed and will provide care to the remaining cats at the property.

The owner of the property was removed from the home and is in the care of relatives, Turso said, adding that the home is padlocked and condemned. No charges are expected, Turso said.

Hempstead Town officials referred the inquiry to the county district attorney’s office on Sept. 22, after town supervisor Don Clavin received complaints from the community about the property. A warrant was issued on Sept. 29 after the district attorney’s office animal crimes unit assessed the property and living situation of the animals.

Gary Rogers, the Nassau County SPCA president, said they are accepting donations to help with animals' care and getting them adopted.

"As long as they are evaluated and if they're healthy cats, sure, that's the goal, find new homes for them," Rogers said.

Rogers asks residents to contact them if they see animals that need to be rescued.

"These things, they don't happen overnight and people know that they're happening," Rogers said. "If you think this is going on, please call the Nassau County SPCA."