Detectives from the Suffolk County SPCA charged an East Patchogue woman with animal cruelty and endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person after the execution of a search warrant on her residence.
Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk SPCA, said that its detectives charged Martha Gillette, 53, with multiple misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, alleging that Gillette neglected nine canines in her care by failing to provide a safe and clean environment. Upon executing a search warrant in the morning of January 11th 2025, detectives found the home the dogs were confined inside had noxious air and odor of feces, urine, and ammonia were so pungent it made SPCA personal cough and gag upon entry and stung their eyes. The dogs found indoors had no access to water and were in an overcrowded, small pen. The conditions inside were materially harmful to the mental, emotional, and physical well being of a vulnerable adult living in the home under Gillette's care.
Gillette was arrested on January 11th, 2025, booked at the Suffolk County Police Department 5th Precinct and released. The residence has since been placarded as unsafe for occupancy by Brookhaven Town Code Officials. Gillette is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip, on January 31st , 2025. The dogs are being socialized.
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.