25-44 82nd Street
April 30, 2018 By Christian Murray
A Jackson Heights woman has been sentenced to 3 years probation and has been prohibited from owning animals for at least 10 years after being found guilty of animal cruelty charges, the Queens District Attorney announced today.
Elizabeth Grant, 50, who is also required to undergo mental counseling, was convicted last month of 108 counts of animal cruelty for failing to provide adequate care for 54 cats and dogs she housed in a urine-and feces-filled home.
She faced up to two years in prison and a ban on owning animals for life prior following her conviction.
The pets, 67 in all, were rescued in January 2016 and most had extreme health problems including malnutrition and infections, according to the District Attorney. Twelve were in such poor health they had to be euthanized.
“The defendant collected cats and dogs. Sadly, the animals suffered while living in a home where the floors and furnishings were covered in feces, fur and urine,” said Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown. “No one should live in such squalor, including the furry four-legged residents of Queens County.”
The animals were discovered when a police officer went to Grant’s 25-44 82nd Street home to visit her mother, who had been the victim of a crime. The officer knocked on the door, but no one answered. The officer found that the door was open and spotted animals inside the house living in filthy conditions.
The officer came back on Jan. 28 with members of the ASPCA. When Grant’s mother opened the door, they saw that the house was covered in feces, fur and trash and reeked of urine. The animals inside the house had patches of missing fur and crusty eyes. One of the cats appeared to be unable to walk.
A search warrant was executed the same day. ASPCA members rescued 55 cats, 12 dogs and two turtles. The workers who rescued the animals needed to wear respirators and protective clothing, Brown said.
A veterinarian and supervisor from the ASPCA’s Forensic Services unit examined the dogs and cats and discovered that many of the pets had severe dental diseases, ear infections, ear mites and many other ailments.
Brown described the Grant’s actions as “depraved.”
“Taking in a dog or cat is a huge responsibility,” said Brown. “In addition to hugs and love, pets need food, a clean home and meticulous care.”
