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Long Island Pet Expo returns to SCCC in Brentwood this weekend

by Press Release - February 28, 2025

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Suffolk County Community College, 1001 Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood presents the Long Island Pet Expo on March 1 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and March 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with fur flying entertainment, dog sporting competitions and educational programs designed for the whole family.

The event returns to Suffolk County Community College Grant Campus in the Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena and features many special attractions, pet adoptions and outstanding shopping for pet lovers and their pets.

“The Long Island area is passionate about animals and pets of all kinds,” said show co-producer Karen Garetano of Family Pet Shows, which runs several similar events in the northeast.

The 100+ special exhibits always feature some of the hottest new products coming out often before they hit the retail shelves. Pets on leashes are always welcome, and several area rescue groups with adoptable pets will be on hand.

Popular performers and presenters include Gail Mirabella and the Dynamo Dogs, Diana Frohman and her Beautiful Dancing Dogs, Schutzhund Demonstration by Maximum K9 Service, Zenos Dog Run Lure Course, Rainforest Reptiles Shows, TICA Championship Cat Shows, Rabbit Hopping, Parties by Parrots and more!

“We always have fun at these events, but we also are strong supporters of responsible pet ownership and humane values when it comes to all issues involving animals and pets,” said Garetano. “We partner with several community organizations, shelters, veterinarians and other animal lovers educate and inform when it comes to best practices for training, feeding and all aspects of pet care.”

Community and rescue organizations will be participating in the show where attendees can learn about pet adoptions as well as responsible ownership and care.

The event is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees over the weekend. Adult admission is $20, Kids 4-11 are $6, and those three years old and under are always free. For discount tickets and additional information, visit www.familypetshows.com.

Shelter Pet of the Week: Oswald

by Heidi Sutton - February 26, 2025

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Update: The Smithtown Animal Shelter reported on Feb 28 that Oswald has been adopted! Happy life sweet boy!

Adopt Oswald!

This week’s shelter pet is Oswald, a healthy white and black domestic (male) rabbit that was brought to the Smithtown Animal Shelter as a stray. Sadly, Oswald and several other bunnies were found abandoned in cold winter temperatures. Despite this heartbreak, he has overcome his rough start with confidence and charm. His captivating personality suits his majestic good looks.

This inquisitive and adventurous boy isn’t shy about expressing his likes and dislikes, and once he trusts you, he can be incredibly affectionate. Oswald is also litter trained, making him a wonderful companion for a loving home. He would thrive in a spacious environment where he can run, explore, and stretch his legs—small cages simply won’t do for this handsome fellow!

Let’s find Oswald the forever home he deserves, where he’ll be cherished as part of a caring family.

If you are interested in meeting Oswald, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in the shelter’s Meet and Greet room.

The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.

Please note: The Smithtown Animal Shelter primarily accommodates dogs and cats, with the ability to assist only one exotic pet at a time.

SBU News: Research shows whales and humans have developed similar linguistic features

by Press Release - February 24, 2025

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0-4 — A pod of Humpback whales swim together on their annual migration to northern waters. Photo by Corey Ford

Do whales “speak” in a similar way that human beings do? Stony Brook University Postdoctoral Fellow Mason Youngblood from the university’s Institute for Advanced Computational Science has published a new study in Science Advances that reveals that whale communication is not just complex—it’s remarkably efficient, following the same linguistic principles that shape human speech.

By analyzing vocal sequences from 16 whale species and comparing them with 51 human languages, Dr. Youngblood found that many whales “compress” their calls to maximize efficiency, similarly to how humans do when speaking. Eleven species exhibit Menzerath’s law, meaning longer vocal sequences are made up of shorter elements, and some—like humpback and blue whales—also follow Zipf’s law of abbreviation, where frequently used sounds are shorter. This suggests that much like humans, whales have evolved ways to streamline their communication, potentially saving energy and avoiding predators.

But not all whales play by the same rules, according to Dr. Youngblood. Some dolphin species, like those in the Cephalorhynchus genus, show no evidence of these efficiency patterns—possibly because they rely on stealthy, ultrasonic sounds to evade predators rather than optimize timing. Even within species, efficiency varies: killer whales compress their call sequences but not the smaller elements inside them. These findings suggest that the push for efficient communication is not universal, but shaped by a mix of biology, behavior, and environment. More broadly, they highlight just how much there still is to learn about the complex communication systems of whales.

“I find it fascinating that communication evolves in similar ways across species, even when the purpose is wildly different“, said Dr. Youngblood. “Humpback and bowhead whales are thought to sing to attract mates, dolphins and killer whales use calls to coordinate with one another, and sperm whales produce clicks to communicate clan identity. Yet, despite these differences, many of their vocal sequences show the same efficiency patterns found in human language—suggesting that the drive to communicate with less effort is widespread in animals.”

Birds of prey take center stage at Sweetbriar Nature Center’s Superheroes of the Sky

by Bill Landon - February 24, 2025

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By Bill Landon

It was another edition of Superheroes of the Sky Saturday morning, Feb. 15, at the Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown where a cacophony of wild birds of prey made their presence known and tour guide Jim MacDougall conducted the daily ritual of feeding the hawks, barred owls, turkey vultures and bald eagle among others at the end of Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown.

Sweetbriar Nature Center is situated on 54 acres of varied garden, woodland, field and wetland habitats on the Nissequogue River. Hundreds of species of plants and animals make their homes there.

Many of the feathered friends were injured raptors lucky enough to find safe refuge at the center where onlookers learned about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild.

Through education and examples, the center encourages responsible decision making, appreciation and respect for the unique wildlife and ecosystems found on Long Island.

The next Superheroes of the Sky program will be held on Saturday, March 8 from 11 a.m. to noon. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 children. Preregistration is required by clicking here.

For more information about the Sweetbriar Nature Center visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Paw Prints: Meet Sebastian, Sheldon, Riley, Chanel and Negan!

by Heidi Sutton - February 20, 2025

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Welcome to the 38th edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home

Meet Sebastian

With a name lengthier than he is, meet Sebastian, a twelve(+) year old Chihuahua mix at Little Shelter in Huntington. Small, but substantial, this venerable statesman has quickly won the admiration of everyone at the shelter for his confident, charming demeanor. The self-appointed activities director in the small dog kennel, he ensures everyone has the best time while waiting to find forever homes. A big fan of sing-alongs, he has perfect pitch as well as the answer to the age old question of “Who Let the Dogs Out?” If you want to be in the know and start your weekend on a good note, stop by to meet Sebastian today! 631-368-8770

*Sebastian is fully grown and not completely housebroken*

Meet Sheldon

“Tiny but mighty, Chihuahuas embody the strength of a lion in the body of a mouse.”

Small, spirited, and social, meet Sheldon, a one year old Chihuahua mix up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. Bringing plenty of laughs to the table, young Sheldon will always keep you on your toes and entertained with his comical personality. Also seriously intelligent, he is confident in his math skills and knows that breaking one treat in half does not equal two! Always ready for an adventure, even if it’s just a walk around the shelter grounds, he’ll greet you with enthusiasm each time. The bottom line: if you’re looking for a smart, funny, loyal companion who will make each day better, Sheldon fits the bill and then some…see you soon! 631-368-8770

*Sheldon is fully grown and not housebroken

Meet Riley

Valentine’s Day has come and gone and Riley is still waiting at the Smithtown Animal Shelter for her one true love to give her the loving home she deserves. Estimated to be about 3 years old, this 60 pound black shepherd mix needs to be the only pet in the home. This sweet girl is beyond loving, smart and active. She is slow to trust new people and needs a family that can help her manage new introductions. However, once she loves you, she will show off all of her tricks and ask for love all day long. 631-360-7575

Meet Chanel

Chanel is a 2-year-old mixed breed at Brookhaven Animal Shelter who is ready to find her forever home! With her athletic build and energetic personality, she thrives on playtime and outdoor adventures. Chanel loves to run and play in the shelter’s playpens, and would love a big, fenced-in yard where she can burn off all her energy. She would do best in a home with kids 16 and older. She’s got a heart full of potential and would thrive in an experienced, active household where she can get the attention and exercise she loves. Come meet her and see how much fun life could be with this sweet and energetic girl by your side! 631-451-6955

Meet Negan

This big handsome two-year-old boy is Negan, up for adoption at Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton. Sweet and cuddly, with the softest fur, he began showing up in a feral colony a few months ago. The feeder gained his trust and was able to pet him and eventually pick him up. He was taken to a vet but did not have a microchip. Due to his gentle nature, the feeder did not want to leave him in the colony. With his curious eyes and loving personality, he’s ready to bring warmth and joy to a new home. If you’re looking for a companion to cuddle up with this winter, Negan might be the purrfect match! Adopt a cat — they’re the best! 631-727-573

DID YOU KNOW?

For the entire month of February, the Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter, 300 Horseblock Road, Yaphank is waiving all adoption fees for animals who have been in the shelter 6 months or longer — because everyone deserves a chance to find their forever home. Let’s spread the love and help these sweet animals find their happily ever after! 631-451-695

Rescue is a lifestyle. Adopt, don’t shop.

Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of March 20.

Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.

Vanderbilt Museum presents program on songbirds Feb. 23

by Press Release - February 20, 2025

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Photo from Vanderbilt Museum

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will welcome back Anthony Marinello, owner of Dropseed Native Landscapes Native Plant Nursery and a bird-habitat specialist, to speak on supporting native backyard songbirds on Sunday, February 23, from 11 a.m. to noon.

Songbirds add beauty and delight to our world. Backyard bird watching and feeding is a cherished tradition for many who appreciate our feathered friends. Marinello will give a presentation on how to support common backyard songbirds with native plants, bird feeders, and other habitat elements. Afterward, participants will make pinecone feeders.

Marinello is a New York State Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional as well as a Certified National Audubon Habitat and Ecosystems Land Professional.

Beth Laxer-Limmer, Director of Education, said, “The Museum is excited to have Anthony Marinello back to share his knowledge of native birds and plants and how we can create a backyard ecosystem for songbirds.”

For adults and children 10 and up. Participating children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Fee is $25 per person, $22 members.

Register

Lead poisoning affects local swans, causing death and illness

by Sabrina Artusa - February 17, 2025

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An ill swan in Old Field. Photo by David Goldblum

By Sabrina Artusa

Residents across the county are noticing swans straying from their habitats, wandering onto roads, drive-ways and parking lots, often disheveled and disoriented.

Lisa Jaeger, who runs an animal rescue business, has already picked up six swans this year, a number she says is above normal. In fact, Jaeger was relocating a swan that was found on 25A only hours before her phone interview with TBR News Media. In her ten years of running her business, Jaeger said she has never noticed such an influx of displaced, sick or even dead swans.

“It is very bad. One of them we found dead on the beach on Shore Road” Jaeger said. “It’s horrible. It’s just horrible.”

Swans are extremely territorial creatures and after mating, reside in one area for the rest of their lives. They may leave that area if pushed out after fighting with another swan or if they are confused and unable to navigate back. Lead poisoning is the likely cause.

“[Lead poisoning] is very common,” Adrienne Gillepsie, wildlife rehabilitator at Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center in Hampton Bays. “Every single swan that we admit to this center, and we get a lot, has lead poisoning.”

Jaeger frequently travels to the rescue center to drop off swans, if they have room. The Evelyn Alexander Rescue Center is the only wildlife center in Suffolk County that has a large waterfowl pen. Other centers have smaller pens and are only capable of taking a few waterfowl.

Lead poisoning affects the swans’ central nervous system and can cause the swans to neglect their grooming, becoming dirty and odorous as a result. They can become sluggish and confused or lose control of their legs and wings and become grounded. When this happens, the swan may try to eat dirt or sand, compounding their sickness.

“If they don’t get treated, it is a death sentence and it is very, very slow. They are uncoordinated, they can drown, they get hit by cars…they slowly just go downhill because they don’t have that medicine or treatment,” Gillepsie said.

Gillepsie estimated that when she started 12 years ago, only around half of swans that were brought in had lead poisoning; now, she said it was essentially a guarantee that a bird would show high levels of lead when given a blood test.

Gillespie and her team administer a treatment called chelation therapy, a 5-day treatment that flushes the toxic metals from the swan’s system. They administer dimercaptosuccinic acid to extricate the heavy metals. This treatment is repeated until lead levels are low enough for the swan to be released.

Swans must be returned “exactly where they came from.” They are invasive and aggressive, so relocating them is problematic not only to other swans, but also to the surrounding ecosystem.

The cured swans return to their nest site, ingest the same contaminated vegetation or lead shots. Gillespie said they regularly get “repeat offenders”.

Other birds like hawks, owls, loons, ducks, and canadian geese can also get lead poisoning, but not as frequently as swans.

Lead shot and pellets were outlawed in 1991. The sale of lead fishing sinkers under one-half ounce or less was banned in New York in 2002 as it was the leading cause of death for the common loon.

Suffolk County D.A.: Manorville animal sanctuary charged with over 100 counts of animal neglect

by Press Release - February 14, 2025

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Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 14 that Double D Bar Ranch, Inc., a self-proclaimed animal sanctuary in Manorville, was arraigned on 112 counts of animal neglect. Specifically, it is alleged that Double D Bar Ranch neglected a broad variety of animals by failing to provide them with proper care including adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. The animals that were allegedly neglected include, but are not limited to cows, goats, horses, pigs, sheep, a mule, and an alpaca.

“No matter what name it operates under, a ‘sanctuary’ is not a sanctuary when it becomes a place of suffering,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Our commitment to protecting animals is unwavering. When those who claim to provide care instead allow neglect and cruelty, we will take necessary action. This prosecution reflects our dedication to ensuring that no animal is left to suffer without food, water, shelter, or medical attention. We are grateful to our many partners, law enforcement and beyond, who stepped in and stepped up for these animals.”

According to the investigation, beginning in early January 2025, Suffolk County Police Department detectives detailed to the District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) began visiting Double D Bar Ranch almost daily after receiving numerous complaints about the welfare of animals on the property. These complaints were exacerbated by the frigid, sub-zero temperatures that were consistently occurring at the time. Once on the property, detectives allegedly observed hundreds of animals with improper shelter and no access to liquid water. Among the animals on the property were a dog, cats, horses, cows, goats, sheep, an alpaca, pigs, chickens, turkeys, mules, peacocks, and assorted waterfowl. Some animals were allegedly found deceased. Several animals allegedly had untreated medical conditions including dental disease, tumors, matting, untreated wounds, lameness, respiratory infections, arthritis, emaciation, swollen body parts, and overgrown hooves, claws, and nails.

BEAST detectives spent several weeks working with various public and private partners to triage the animals. During such time, BEAST detectives worked hundreds of hours on-premises personally tending to the animals’ needs. Dozens of animals of various species have since been removed and efforts to remediate the premises are continuing. An appearance ticket was issued on February 11, 2025.

On February 13, Double D Bar Ranch was arraigned on 112 charges before District Court Judge Susan A. Berland. BEAST prosecutors requested two court orders which were both granted by Judge Berland. Those orders require Double D Bar Ranch to not take in any additional animals during the pendency of the case, and for law enforcement to continuously monitor the welfare of the animals that are still on the Double D Bar Ranch property. Double D Bar Ranch is due back in court on February 24, 2025, and the corporation is bring represented by Nora Constance Marino and Joseph W. Murray, Esqs.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Brooke Salvatore and Joanna Chalifoux of the Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST), and the investigation was conducted by Detective Joanna Westrack and other detectives assigned to the Suffolk County Police Department’s District Attorney’s Squad.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the following organizations, businesses, and offices for their tireless work in this case:

13 Hands Equine Rescue
Blue Arrow Farm
Deep Hollow Ranch
Eastern Snouts
Humane Long Island
Mattituck Laurel Veterinary Hospital
Suffolk County Farm / Cornell Cooperative Extension
The Suffolk County Executive’s Office
The Town of BrookhavenReport animal abuse, neglect, or illegal possession of an exotic or dangerous animal in Suffolk County via their website. Always call 911 in the event of an emergency. If you would like to report anonymously, please call Crimestoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

Shelter Pet of the Week: Wall-E

by Heidi Sutton - February 13, 2025

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MEET WALL-E!

This week’s featured shelter pet is Wall-E, a two-year-old orange tabby cat who has been at the Smithtown Animal Shelter since late January.

Found through the shelter’s TNR program, this sweet boy obviously comes from a tough life of being bullied but he is gentle and loving. Wall-E is FIV+ but that is no issue so long as he remains an indoor only cat. According to shelter staff, this sweet hunk loves to be loved all of the time. Adopt this young boy and you will not regret it.

If you are interested in meeting Wall-E, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in the shelter’s Meet and Greet room.

Valentine’s Day fundraiser at Save-A-Pet will be a dog gone fun time

by Julianne Mosher - February 13, 2025

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By Julianne Mosher

Who needs a box of chocolates when you can adopt a puppy this Valentine’s Day?

Save-A-Pet Animal Shelter will be hosting its first annual Valentine’s Day Yappy Hour on Feb. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at its Port Jefferson Station location for a special holiday fundraiser.

According to Dori Scofield, president of Save a Pet, the Yappy Hour will feature wine, charcuterie boards and desserts inside the adoption center, which they are transforming into a romantic setting for a purr-fect night out.

“We’ll have tables set up with candlelight and roses for the women,” she said. “It’s going to be a really fun night.”

Proceeds from the event will go towards helping dogs who need orthopedic surgeries, including Teddy, above. Photo courtesy of Dori Scofield

Just this month, the shelter, which is already home to several dozen cats and dogs up for adoption, received 30 puppies from Georgia and Puerto Rico.

“The shelters there are just too overcrowded,” said Scofield.

Those little loves, who will be joining you for your date night roaming the room, are up for adoption and the $25 ticket price will come off the adoption fee, Scofield added.

Proceeds from the event will go to continue support for the adoption center and also help care for three special cases; dogs who need orthopedic surgeries. One dog, Teddy, who is not for adoption, was unfortunately hit by a car and thanks to his latest procedure will be at Yappy Hour sporting his new cast and overseeing the night’s schedule.

If you’re looking for a lovable cat or dog who might be a little older, all the other animals available will be adoptable, too.

Those animals come from all different situations, Scofield said. “We have strays, animals who were abandoned, left in the woods, left in the streets… abandoned, abused and neglected.”

And you won’t need Cupid to shoot an arrow through your heart to fall in love with one of them.

Save-A-Pet, 608 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station will hold a Valentine’s Day Yappy Hour on Feb. 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. For reservations, visit www.saveapetusa.org. 631-473-6333.

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