Farmingville, NY - Supervisor Mark Lesko and Councilwoman Connie Kepert have announced that the Town’s Quality of Life Task Force aided the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in an investigation of a Yaphank residence overrun with animals on June 9, 2010. The residence, located at 65 Park Street in Yaphank, contained 55 dogs, 18 cats, two horses, two birds, a goat and a miniature horse. The SPCA, believing the animals were in danger, executed the warrant in response to community complaints and after the property owner denied access to the SPCA officers. The Task Force consisted of Investigator Brian Tohill, Animal Shelter personnel, two Fire Marshals, and Building Inspector Bob Incagliato, who condemned the house which was covered in animal waste and "unfit for human habitation.” Two out buildings were used to house the dogs and cats and a barn was where the three horses and goat were found. The cats were taken to the Brookhaven Town Animal Shelter while the dogs, horses and goats were taken by other volunteer shelters associated with the SPCA. The property has been posted and the owner has been written court appearance tickets for various violations of Town codes.

“Our Quality of Life Task Force has proven time and again that the Town will not tolerate those who violate our codes. This is an especially egregious case possibly involving the neglect of animals and we will do everything in our power to prosecute those who are guilty to the fullest extent of the law”, said Supervisor Mark Lesko, "It’s another example of the good work this Task Force is doing for the residents of the Town of Brookhaven.”

Councilwoman Kepert, who represents the 4th District where the residence is located said, “I believe that one of the most important functions of town government is to protect the quality of lives on behalf of our constituents, in this case we had families who were forced to live next to a home that resembled a zoo, and as long as I am representing this district that type of behavior will not be tolerated. I would also like to commend the town’s Quality of Life Task Force for their fine work on this case; they are truly making a difference in positive way on the lives of our residents with all of their fine work. ”

The Quality of Life Task Force was formed in 2009 by Supervisor Lesko and the Town Board to aggressively enforce the Town’s codes and take on the worst-of-the-worst violators across Brookhaven. This innovative initiative has resulted in a safer and cleaner Brookhaven. Continued heightened investigation and enforcement of these codes will further improve the quality of life of all Brookhaven Town residents.

 

Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6595 • Fax (631) 451-6258