45-year-old woman charged after 27 animals removed from Ocean Hill apartment
Police say Jessica Styles was arrested June 17 at a building on Herkimer Street and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.
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A 45-year-old Ocean Hill woman is facing animal cruelty charges after authorities removed 27 animals from her home, according to police and the ASPCA.
Police say Jessica Styles was arrested June 17 and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals after investigators found dozens of animals living in what authorities described as poor conditions inside the Herkimer Street home.
The ASPCA says it assisted the NYPD during the execution of a search warrant at the property Wednesday.
According to the agency, 21 dogs, four cats and one pigeon were removed from the home. A deceased puppy was also found inside.
Photos released by the ASPCA show several of the dogs rescued from the property.
The ASPCA says many of the animals were being kept in crates throughout the home. After veterinary examinations, staff found many of the dogs were covered in urine and feces and suffering from severe flea infestations. The agency says some younger dogs were underweight, while some older dogs had untreated dental disease.
The animals were taken to ASPCA facilities, where they are now receiving medical treatment and rehabilitation.
News 12 also spoke with a man who identified himself as Styles' husband. He declined to appear on camera but said his wife loves animals and denies abusing them.
He said family members were removed from the home and kept outside for several hours while investigators searched the property. He also said Styles has been struggling emotionally since the arrest.
Not everyone in the neighborhood sees the situation the same way.
A neighbor who asked not to be identified told News 12 that people on the block have been complaining about conditions at the home for years, including concerns about odors coming from the property.
The ASPCA is assisting the NYPD and the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office with the ongoing investigation.
