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Shelter Pet of the Week: Butterball

by Heidi Sutton - December 19, 2024

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ADOPT BUTTERBALL!

This week’s featured shelter pet is Butterball, a smorgasbord of purr-fection and available for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. This handsome, portly, domestic short-haired brown tabby, is a six year old boy who comes equipped with a banquet of love to give one lucky family. Butterball lived in a home until the owner moved, only to abandon him and his other feline friend companions behind. Despite his heartbreak and desertion, Butterball is ever so sweet, and in search of his forever home where he can bring endless joy and laughter to one lucky family!

While at first encounters, Butterball may appear to be on the shy side. However, with a little patience and gentle persuasion to earn his trust, will culminate into a jumbo-sized dose of unconditional love and loyalty. If his rotund personality is the total package for you, then the sweet sound of Butterball’s endearing purr, and endless devotion is the icing on the cake. It is nearly impossible to resist Butterball’s charming nature once he trusts you. Simply put, this is one of the most lovable and huggable best buds you will ever meet!

Butterball would thrive in a serene home with older children, mellow dogs, and cats. While his size and stature make him unique and adorable, he will need a family that will support him in sticking to a healthy diet to help him meet his weight loss goals for the new year.

If you are interested in meeting Butterball, please fill out an application to schedule time to properly interact with your prospective soul mate in a domestic setting.

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.

For more information regarding rescue animals available for adoption visit:. TownofSmithtownAnimalShelter.com

Suffolk County SPCA: Middle Island woman charged with animal cruelty

by Press Release - December 19, 2024

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470690378_885096967122715_8595417593277258208_n — Photo from Suffolk County SPCA

Detectives from the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have charged a Middle Island woman with animal cruelty after the execution of a search warrant on her residence.

Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross stated that that its detectives charged Kathleen O’Brien, 63, with multiple misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, alleging that O’Brien neglected her five-year-old Labrador type dog by failing to provide a safe and clean environment.

Upon executing a search warrant in the evening of December 11, detectives found the dog confined inside the home that had garbage, filth, grime, hundreds of dead flies, feces, and urine strewn about. The noxious air and odor of urine, ammonia, rot, feces, and food were so pungent it made SPCA personal cough and gag upon entry and stung their eyes. The dog had large areas of missing fur, red irritated skin, open sores around the ears, overgrown nails, and a difficult time walking once on flat ground outside the debris filled home. The interior had garbage and clutter piled over five feet high in spaces the dog had to crawl over. Filthy food and water bowls were noted inside.

O’Brien was arrested on December 13 at Stony Brook University Hospital and released. The residence has since been placarded as unsafe for occupancy by Brookhaven Town Code Officials. The dog is healing at a local animal shelter. O’Brien is scheduled to appear in First District Court in Central Islip on December 27.

The Suffolk County SPCA remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals in the county. If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County, please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722.

Suffolk County SPCA: Hauppauge woman charged with animal cruelty

by Press Release - December 19, 2024

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470514688_885807787051633_6823113731931867922_n — Photo courtesy of Suffolk County SPCA

Detectives from the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals charged a Hauppauge woman with animal cruelty on Dec. 15 after a lengthy investigation. The announcement was made in a press release on Dec. 18.

Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk SPCA, said that its detectives charged Roseanne Lucrezia, 61, with misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, alleging that Lucrezia neglected her fourteen-year-old Husky type dog by failing to provide required medical treatment and sustenance resulting in pain.

The dog’s teeth were fractured, rotting, and broken and exhibited signs of significant physical pain upon examination of the mouth by Veterinarians. A malodorous smell indicating poor care was detected from the dog’s mouth. The dog’s body condition was significantly thin with the bones of the spine, ribs, and hips visible.

Lucrezia was arrested on December 15 at her residence, booked at the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fourth Precinct, and released. She is scheduled to appear in First District Court In Central Islip on December 27, 2024.

Paw Prints: Meet Corn-Nut, Manny, Shelby and Fleetwood Mac!

by Heidi Sutton - December 13, 2024

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Welcome to the 36th edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home.

Meet Corn-Nut

A good source of protein and healthy fat, meet Corn-Nut, an eleven year old Maltese mix at Little Shelter in Huntington. Knowing the importance of staying fit and active in his senior years, he’s always ready for a walk, throwing in an occasional sprint as interval training! While a bit reserved when meeting new friends, word on the street is that you can win him over with a good butt scratch! Known to be intelligent, curious, and playful, Maltese have trusting and gentle dispositions. If you’re looking for someone bursting with flavor and fun, stop by Little Shelter to meet the one and only Corn-Nut! *Corn Nut is mostly housebroken* 631-368-877

Meet Manny

Meet little Manny about town, an adorable six year old Maltese mix available for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. Handsome and stylish, he’s always well dressed and ready for any occasion, the perfect plus one for this holiday season and beyond. This affectionate fellow loves belly rubs, treats, and sweet talk…in that order! Take a stroll around town to see the Christmas lights, and with Manny by your side, the winter blues will be a thing of the past. It’s not what’s under the tree (or menorah) that matters, it’s who’s gathered around it. Stop by to meet the one you’ll want to kiss under the mistletoe…his name is Manny. *Manny is not completely housebroken.* 631-368-8770

Meet Shelby

This adorable 60 lb shar-pei mix at Brookhaven Animal Shelter is approximately 3 years old and ready to bring joy into your life! Shelby is a sweet and lovable girl with a happy-go-lucky personality. While she’s still learning how to play with toys, her enthusiasm for life is infectious.

Shelby arrived at the shelter as a stray, so her previous history is a mystery, but she’s eager to create new memories with a loving family. She’s always excited for walks and enjoys those delightful Zoomies in the yard. Since she is so strong on leash and high energy Shelby would need a home with a yard to zoom around in. Shelby is also a people-person (or should we say, people-dog) who loves checking in for pets and being social.

Shelby seems to have a liking for other dogs, but a meet and greet would be necessary to ensure compatibility with your furry friend. We’re unsure about her compatibility with cats, so further testing would be needed. Shelby would thrive in a home with children aged 16 and up.

If you’re ready to provide Shelby with a loving home and help her continue to blossom, please fill out a match maker application at the shelter’s website. She can’t wait to be your loyal and loving companion! 631-451-6955

Meet Fleetwood Mac

This sweet and incredibly outgoing tabby cat was found as a stray in November and was never claimed. Estimated to be approximately 2 years old, he is now safe at the Smithtown Animal Shelter and looking forward to a bright future. If you are looking for a clingy cat that craves your attention, this is the boy for you. He does have a runny eye that needs to be cleaned periodically. Don’t “Go Your Own Way,” — come visit Mac today and be the hero of his “Dreams.” 631-360-7575

Good Boy Storm

The staff at TBR News Media would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Mark T. Freeley and his family on the loss of their beloved dog Storm. The English Golden Retriever passed away on Nov. 12 at the age of 14. Storm became a local hero when he rescued a fawn who was struggling to stay afloat in Port Jefferson Harbor. We know the Three Village community and beyond will miss him. He was a good boy.

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‘Home for the Holidays’

Did you know? The Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter, 300 Horseblock Road, Brookhaven will waive all adoption fees for the month of December. Come meet their amazing dogs and cats looking for their forever homes this holiday season and make their only wish come true. 631-451-6955

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

Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of January 23.

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

Shelter Pet of the Week: Leslie

by Heidi Sutton - December 4, 2024

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ADOPT LESLIE!

This magnificent, all-black, domestic short-haired lady at the Smithtown Animal Shelter is estimated to be less than a year old. The lovely Leslie was brought to the shelter as a stray. The Team at the Shelter believed she would be claimed however, no one came for sweet Leslie.

Leslie is the PURR-fect, well-mannered ladylike feline. Upon making her acquaintance, she will approach you in a laid back fashion, and will gladly accept pets, snuggles and a good scratch behind the ears. It only takes a short period of time for this bewitching beauty to reveal her fondness for humans, and receiving unconditional TLC. Leslie is a sweet, laid-back, girl who genuinely appreciates the simple pleasure of human companionship. She is young, healthy, and ready to find a lucky family to love and be loved unconditionally.

Leslie would thrive in a serene home with older children. She prefers to be in the company of humans and is not fond of other animals in her space, therefore, she would do best as an only pet.

If you are interested in meeting Leslie, please fill out an application to schedule time to properly interact with your prospective soul mate in a domestic setting.

For more information regarding the shelter’s rescue animals available for adoption visit:. TownofSmithtownAnimalShelter.com

Kent Animal Shelter receives proclamation at 2024 Gala

by Press Release - November 26, 2024

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Kent Animal Shelter — From left, Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, County Executive Ed Romaine and Pam Green

On Nov. 7, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio presented a proclamation to Pam Green, Executive Director of Kent Animal Shelter, to recognize the tireless and unwavering dedication of Kent in saving homeless animals over the past 55 years.

The proclamation went on to say that the shelter is a beacon of hope and a haven of healing for animals that were abused or abandoned giving them a second chance in life. It was presented at the Kent Gala that was held at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead attended by 285 guests. Kent Animal Shelter is currently building new facilities at its Calverton location. The building project, expected to be completed in the spring of 2025, includes a new kennel and isolation facilities.

Shelter Pet of the Week: Buster

by Heidi Sutton - November 25, 2024

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ADOPT BUSTER FOR THE HOWLIDAYS!

This 4-year-old 90 pound male chocolate lab at the Smithtown Animal Shelter is fun and affectionate. He loves all people, taking walks and FOOD!

This handsome, healthy, and energetic boy was brought to the animal shelter due to a change in his family’s circumstances. We simply can’t comprehend how this dapper dog hasn’t managed to lock down a great home yet.

Buster is athletic, and is not shy when it comes to showing off how fast he can fetch a tennis ball. He gets the “bootie wiggles” upon greeting him… which will provide for endless laughter and joy for one lucky family. Buster is a rambunctious tweenager, who has some resource guarding, so he may not live with younger children or other animals. His best life would be with a family who has experience, patience and understanding, when it comes to the highly intelligent mind of a labrador. A little persistence is worth it for this chocolate lab, who melts hearts and has a very long life of unconditional love, laughter and memories to give.

If you are interested in meeting Buster please fill out an application and schedule a date/time to properly interact in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs, and a Dog Walk trail.

Centereach man charged with alleged animal cruelty

by Press Release - November 24, 2024

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468310860_870183648614047_5836080494011412931_n — 10 of the dogs were confined to a small bedroom. Photo from Suffolk County SPCA

Detectives from the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals charged a Centereach man on Nov. 23 with neglecting to maintain a sanitary environment for his eleven dogs. Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk SPCA, said that its Detectives charged Christopher DiGiovanna, 42, with multiple misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, alleging that DiGiovanna failed to provide a habitable living environment to the animals in his residence.

Chief Gross stated that on November 23, 2024 on or about 4:30 PM, members of the Suffolk County SPCA, Suffolk County Police Department, Town of Brookhaven Animal Control and Code Enforcement executed a search warrant on DiGiovanna’s Centereach residence after receiving a complaint about the living conditions causing the animals distress.

Eleven dogs were recovered from the residence, some underweight, filthy, flea ridden, ungroomed, and covered in urine. The air was so noxious with ammonia from urine, feces, mold, and mildew that it stung investigators eyes and throats making it difficult to breathe. Fly excrement and cobwebs covered the interior of the home’s walls and ceilings. Rats scurried about inside the broken out portions of the walls and floors. Ten of the dogs were confined to a small bedroom on urine and feces-soaked sheets with live electrical wires exposed, hypodermic needles, and other drug paraphernalia strewn about.

At least two of the dog’s upon preliminary examination tested presumptive positive for cocaine exposure. The property was deemed unfit for human occupancy by Code Officials. The dogs will be available for adoption to the public upon medical recovery. DiGiovanna was arrested during the search warrant execution on Nov. 23, booked, and held in police custody on two active arrest warrants for unrelated cases.

DiGiovanna is scheduled to appear in First District Court In Central Islip on November 25.

The Suffolk County SPCA remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals in the county. If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County, please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722.

Living Lightly: Buy a Duck Stamp

by John Turner - November 22, 2024

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A Column Promoting a More Earth-Friendly Lifestyle

By John L. Turner

I’m occasionally asked what are some of the things a person can do to protect wildlife. One of the suggestions I always recommend is the next time you go to the local post office, take the time to buy a federal duck stamp. You can also easily purchase duck stamps online and at sporting goods stores. A duck stamp can’t be used for postage but does allow you free access to any national wildlife refuge. I keep mine in my wallet at all times.

Ninety eight percent of the current $25 cost of a duck stamp goes directly toward buying wetland habitat that waterfowl and so many other species depend upon. Since the program began in 1934 conservationists have committed about $800 million resulting in nearly 6 million acres of land permanently protected as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system. As these totals illustrate, this low profile program has been a remarkable success!

Artists from around the country submit their paintings of various waterfowl species and one lucky contest winner is selected by a panel of judges. The duck stamp available through June 2025 by artist Chuck Black highlights a male pintail duck, a handsome and graceful duck that lives up to its name with a few long pointed feathers that form its tail. The male’s chocolate brown head, cheek, and neck, the latter of which is pierced by an upward pointing white dash, are diagnostic field marks of this species which overwinters on freshwater lakes and ponds on Long Island.

So don’t forget to buy a duck stamp when you next visit your local post office.

A resident of Setauket, author John L. Turner is conservation chair of the Four Harbors Audubon Society, author of “Exploring the Other Island: A Seasonal Nature Guide to Long Island” and president of Alula Birding & Natural History Tours.

Holtsville Ecology Center mourns the loss of Honey the black bear

by Heidi Sutton - November 22, 2024

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By Heidi Sutton

A beloved resident of the Holtsville Ecology Center & Animal Preserve has died. The Town of Brookhaven’s Highway Department and Ecology Center staff have announced that Honey the black bear passed away on Nov. 22 at the age of 27.

“[We] are saddened to report the passing of our beloved Honey, the resident black bear who has delighted and educated children about her species for more than a quarter century. While the average life expectancy for a black bear rarely exceeds twenty years, Honey lived to twenty-seven. This is a testament to the love and exemplary care she received from our dedicated staff,” read the announcement.

Honey, and her brother Pooh, who passed away more than five years ago, were ambassadors for wildlife education to the countless thousands of residents who visit the Holtsville Ecology Center each year..

While the Ecology Center is home to more than 100 injured or non-releasable wild animals and farm animals including deer, a buffalo, bobcat, wild horses, alpaca, buffalo, coatamundi, hybrid wolves, an arctic fox, goats, horses, pigs, cows, alpaca, deer, various birds, pigs and goats, just to name a few, Honey was a favorite among visitors. Many took to social media to pay their respects and share their memories.

“RIP Honey Bear. You are now reunited with your brother Pooh Bear. You both gave my daughter, husband and I so many memories that we will cherish forever,” read one post. “My daughter fell in love with her when we visited a couple of months ago – she’s going to be heartbroken. So very sorry for your loss – thank you for caring and loving her,” read another.

“The injured or domesticated, non-releasable, animals who call the Ecology Center home provide an opportunity for encounters that helps to instill a passion for conservation in our next generation. While Honey will be missed and long remembered, the mission of our Ecology Center lives on,” read the release.

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