Animal Welfare a Priority in Cruelty Cases

ByC.E.Parry

Rescuing animals from abusive conditions is the mission of a first-of-its-kind partnership between Suffolk law enforcement and FACTS, an animal welfare organization that will assist the county in cruelty cases.

The Fund for Animal Cruelty Treatment of Suffolk will be on call with the Suffolk Sheriff and Police Department to provide money for veterinary care, food, medication, shelter and transportation, as well as help find homes for abused and neglected animals, according to District Attorney Raymond Tierney, who announced the partnership last week.

The need to take care of cats, rabbits, birds, and other pets was highlighted in October when Suffolk law enforcement was called in by Brookhaven Town to help shut down a Miller Place hoarder home where hundreds of animals were being kept in deplorable conditions. Called in to assist, the ASPCA mobilized a team of volunteers to find homes for the animals and arrange for treatment.

According to FACTS, animal abuse is a "gateway crime" that many times involves abuse of humans as well. It has gained national attention from law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, after 35 years of research showed it is a predictor of domestic violence. Women, children, disabled, and elderly persons are most at risk of domestic violence with the perpetrators also found to be abusive to animals.

“Prosecuting an animal cruelty case is unlike other crimes in that evidence of consists of a living, breathing animal that needs to be cared for while the case or investigation is pending,” Tierney explained. “Abused or neglected animals require a significant amount of resources, including veterinary care. We have partnered with FACTS, a non-profit organization, so that the care can be funded by donations,” he said, adding, “This effort will ensure proper care for voiceless victims of abuse.”

Founded by Joyce Glass and Barbara Dennihy, FACTS “meets an identified need during the investigation and prosecution of cases, focusing on victims without a voice,” the Stony Brook having any open property tax liens. Applications for the grants can be made beginning this fall. organization said. “Donations allow us to speak for animal victims by providing the care and treatment they deserve.”

The initial $1 million will allow the County to gauge the need for additional funding, identify other potential funding sources, and evaluate what other factors may be relevant in determining how best to allocate future funding for the connection of commercial and business properties, according to Bellone.

“Our main goal is to advocate for all of our small businesses in the community and this pilot program is a huge step forward in helping out our local businesses obtain some sort of financial assistance for the hookups to the coming sewer project,” said Frank Montanez Jr., president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics & Shirley. “We look forward to this financial help and to the finalization of the sewer project to bring much needed economic development to our area."

Bellone also recently announced a commitment of $28 million to expand the Forge River Sewer project.

Joining Mazzarella and the county executive in making the announcement at Mama Lisa’s Restaurant were county Legislator Bridget Fleming, Brookhaven Councilman Dan Panico and town Superintendent of Highways Dan Losquadro.

More on FACTS is available at factsaves.org. Donations to support their program should be sent to FACTS, 2168 Nesconset Highway, #310, Stony Brook, NY

11790.

If you are aware of a possible case of animal abuse or neglect or would like additional information about how to recognize the signs of abuse, contact the office of Suffolk County SPCA at (631)-382-7722.