Recently, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) received a call from the Suffolk County Police Department and Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals requesting assistance with an animal hoarding case.
ECO Dickson and DEC Wildlife staff responded to a home where they found several bird species. They identified a grackle, American robin, and mourning dove, along with hundreds of other birds such as cockatiels, love birds, finches, and parakeets.
A tortoise and several cats were also found.
The Suffolk County District Attorney is handling the case with assistance from the ASPCA to ensure appropriate care is given to the animals kept inside the home.
It is illegal in New York to possess native wildlife.