Neglected dogs ready to be adopted

After more than a dozen severely neglected animals were rescued last month from a filthy Rockville Centre home, the pets have been nursed back to health and are ready to be adopted.

The original owner, a 62-year-old woman, forfeited her custody rights to the animals, allowing Hempstead Town to begin to place the pets for adoption.

"These wonderful dogs with resilient spirits are much healthier and happier thanks to the true compassion and care of the animal shelter staff," Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray said in a news release.

Hempstead Town animal control officers were called Jan. 12 to the home at 83 Clinton Ave. to rescue 22 animals - 17 severely neglected dogs. Inside the two-story house were also a dead cat and four dead dogs. The surviving dogs were transported to the Hempstead Town Animal Shelter, where they received veterinary care, cleaning and grooming.

The group of canine refugees available for adoption, ranging in age from 1 to 7 years, includes 12 cocker spaniels, a black Labrador retriever and a papillon.

Anyone interested in adopting the pets can call the shelter at 516-785-5220.