Dozens of animals rescued from filthy, alleged hoarding and breeding case in Orange County
Twenty-three Yorkies and two macaws were removed from a condemned home in Sparrowbush. The SPCA says dogs were sold for up to $5,000, and were living in feces and urine.
Dozens of animals have been rescued from what officials describe as a hoarding and breeding case in Orange County.
Humane law enforcement officers with the Hudson Valley SPCA and Deerpark Police removed 23 Yorkshire terriers, including four puppies, and two macaws from a home on Old Country Road in Sparrowbush in the Town of Deerpark.
It happened on April 10. Authorities say the animals were living in deplorable conditions.
“The conditions in the house were horrible — one of the worst I’ve seen in 17 years,” said Gene Hect, a humane law enforcement officer with the Hudson Valley SPCA. “There was feces, urine all over the place. The ammonia levels were so high the house should’ve been abandoned.”
Officials say the Town of Deerpark Building Department ultimately condemned the building.
Hect says the owners surrendered the animals. So far, it's unclear if they'll face any criminal charges.
According to the Hudson Valley SPCA, many of the animals are now being treated for infections affecting their ears, eyes and paws. The animals rescued are now in their care.
Hect says the dogs were bred and sold for thousands of dollars.
"They were selling them from anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 a dog," he said.
SPCA officials say the case extends beyond Orange County, with more than 50 additional animals tied to the same situation in New Jersey.
“This was a hoarding and breeding case. They were living in deplorable conditions,” said SPCA President Joan Kay.
Kay says the organization is seeing donations drop while expenses continue to rise — forcing them to scale back on large cases like this one despite being the only SPCA charter serving Orange County.
“We’ve rescued more than 3,000 animals this year, and the vet bills have been devastating," Kay said.
The organization is asking for public support to help cover the cost of care. More information can be found at hvspca.com.
News 12 has reached out to Deerpark Police for additional information and is waiting to hear back.
