On Saturday , October 5, 2024 after an extensive investigation, Suffolk County SPCA detectives charged Phyllis Vandyken, 75 and Louis Vandyke, 71 with animal cruelty.
Suffolk County SPCA Detectives, with the assistance of the Suffolk County Police and Sheriff's Department, executed a search warrant on the residence of the couple. The interior of the home had feces strun about the kitchen floor where the two dogs, Penny and Macho were penned. Over two dozen rats were visible scurrying about the kitchen and hallways and through open holes in the floors and ceilings. The overpowering smell of rot, urine, and feces made it difficult to breathe and the eyes water. The dogs were covered in fleas, filth, grime, feces, and urine. The ceiling and walls had holes and leaking sewage was observed near the bathrooms. Fly excrement was noted on the living room smoke detector and live flies were present. Structure was deemed unfit for human occupancy, placarded, water and power shut off. In addition, there are 2 cats, Charlie and Mikey also living in the deplorable conditions. The animals were taken to the Islip Animal Shelter.
Both Phyllis and Louis Dyken are scheduled to appear in First District Court in Central Islip on October 15, 2024.
Animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Suffolk County. If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at (631) 382-7722.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.