HUNTINGTON
Huntington’s Own ‘Animal House’
Dozens of dogs, goats and sick pony discovered without food or water in home
By Amanda Lindner/alindner@longislandernews.com

When the Huntington Manor Fire Department responded to an alarm at 168 Chichester Road in Huntington Wednesday morning, they didn’t find a fire. Instead, the firemen discovered between 50 and 100 small dogs, three goats and a very ill pony in the home without any food or water and no owners in sight. The house was condemned and deemed unlivable by the county.

The Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SCSPCA), Suffolk County Police, the Town of Huntington’s Department of Public Safety and several veterinarians arrived soon after.

“The conditions are poor,” SCSPCA Chief Roy Gross said at the time of the discovery. “The house does not appear to be lived in. There is no food or water for the animals and the pony is in dire need of a vet.”

Officials said the fire alarm may have been triggered by built-up pet hair in the alarm or the scent of ammonia.

Gross did not yet know if the home was a puppy mill, but said the dogs’ fur appeared to be molted and not taken care of. As of press time Wednesday, the SCSPCA would not confirm if any deceased animals were found.

Officials at the scene said they were trying to contact the homeowner, Michael Gladstein, who is a practicing dermatologist, to figure out the situation and learn why the animals were being held in the home.

The odor of animal urine can be detected from the outside of the home, but the 7-acre parcel of land which includes small adjoining properties is located far off the beaten path of the road down a long driveway.

Neighbors said they were surprised.

“It’s very weird,” neighbor Steve Miller said. “I rarely see [the owners], they usually keep to themselves, but I’ve never seen any pets.”

As of Wednesday, the animals had been assessed by veterinarians, removed from the home and were being placed in several animal shelters and hospitals based upon their medical needs.