Thirty cats were discovered living in squalid conditions near a Bethpage State Park trail, where a homeless hoarder had set up camp after a falling out with his mother. The cat colony, located off the Southern State Parkway, was found in cages filled with excrement, with little food and water, and exposed to the harsh elements. The scene was marked by fallen trees, piles of empty soda bottles, and other trash, making it a grim sight for rescuers and passersby alike.
The cages, which had holes in them, posed a danger to the cats as they were situated near a busy highway with cars speeding by at 55 miles per hour. Animal rescuer John Debacker, vice president of Long Island Cat/Kitten Solution, described the situation as one of the worst he had encountered, with about five cats cramped in each cage or playpen, surrounded by feces and without access to food or water.
The homeless hoarder, identified as Thomas McDermott, had been keeping the cats in these deplorable conditions for about a week, despite an order of protection filed by his mother that barred him from her house. Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly opened a criminal investigation into McDermott, who claimed the cats were his and that he took good care of them, spending a significant amount of money on their care.
The cats were rescued and taken to the town of Oyster Bay animal shelter for medical evaluation. They were in need of vaccines and hydration, according to Donnelly. While they are currently evidence in a potential case against McDermott, they will eventually be put up for adoption. Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino expressed confidence that people would be emotionally moved to adopt and care for these defenseless creatures.
Debacker, who was instrumental in the rescue efforts, has committed to helping find homes for the cats once they are ready for adoption. He also mentioned that there may be other cats from the encampment still in the wild near the park, urging the community to be on the lookout. Trail cameras have been set up in the area to monitor and locate any remaining cats that need rescue.
The story of the Bethpage State Park cat colony serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for intervention in cases of animal hoarding and neglect. Through the efforts of compassionate individuals and organizations, these cats have been given a second chance at a better life, and hopefully, they will find loving forever homes where they will be cherished and cared for.
