Dozens of cats found at Yaphank home

The Suffolk SPCA said Wednesday it is working to relocate some of the dozens of cats found in and around a Yaphank home.

Chief Roy Gross of the Suffolk Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said there had been varying estimates of 40 to 100 cats that were roaming the house and grounds Tuesday night when firefighters responded to a medical emergency at the Gerard Road house, which was up a long mud road partially blocked by downed trees.

Yaphank Fire Chief Michael Kennedy described the smell inside the house as "intolerable."

A woman inside the house was hospitalized with a broken hip, and Gross said SPCA workers were working with the male occupant to relocate some of the cats. Gross said there were "signs of neglect," but he declined to elaborate, saying none of the cats, ranging from young to old, were removed.

"It's just another unfortunate situation that has occurred because of the overpopulation of cats and dogs in Suffolk County. We need to assess the situation at the home further," Gross said.

He said no charges were filed.