In June 2026, police and the Nassau County SPCA searched a home in Glen Cove, Long Island. Public reports say 134 cats and two dogs were initially removed, and the rescue count later rose to 155 animals, with trapping continuing for cats that may have had outdoor access. The home was described as uninhabitable, with overwhelming ammonia and urine odors; responders wore protective equipment. Some cats had fleas, respiratory and eye issues, and two animals died. Resident Alena Horbatko was charged with animal cruelty, reckless endangerment and child-endangerment related counts, and pleaded not guilty at a June 9 arraignment.

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A call for a child led rescuers to the animals

Public reporting says the case began when an 18-year-old daughter contacted authorities out of concern for her 12-year-old sister. Police and the Nassau County SPCA then entered a house described as uninhabitable, with intense ammonia and urine odors, animal waste and crowded conditions.

Animals are not inventory

People reported that 155 animals had been rescued, including more than 150 cats and two dogs. The first removals included 134 cats and two dogs, and trapping continued for cats believed to have had indoor-outdoor access. Some cats reportedly had fleas, respiratory issues and eye problems, requiring veterinary and volunteer care.

Deaths and charges

Media reports citing prosecutors said one animal was found dead when the search began and another died during transport for veterinary treatment. The New York Post, citing complaint details, reported contaminated food and unsafe water conditions, while the two dogs lacked clean food and water. Horbatko faced 67 animal cruelty related counts plus reckless endangerment and child-endangerment related counts; People reported that she pleaded not guilty on June 9.

Rescue is only the first step

The court ordered an animal ownership ban, animal forfeiture and stay-away protections. At the request of the Nassau County District Attorney's Office, the ASPCA moved 31 cats to its Manhattan Adoption Center, while local organizations including Cove Animal Rescue continued care and placement. This archive records the case because hoarding is not merely a large number; when food, water, air quality and medical care collapse, many animals suffer quietly inside ordinary rooms.

Timeline

• Early June 2026: Glen Cove police and the Nassau County SPCA executed a search warrant and initially removed 134 cats and two dogs.
• June 9, 2026: Alena Horbatko was arraigned in Glen Cove City Court and pleaded not guilty, according to People.
• Early July 2026: Reports said the number of rescued animals had risen to 155, with trapping continuing for cats possibly still outside.
• August 10, 2026: Media reports listed the next court date.

Public sources

• People: 155 Animals Rescued from 'Uninhabitable' Long Island Home
• New York Post: 155 animals and counting rescued from Long Island home
• New York Post: Long Island resident charged after more than 130 cats and dogs found