Case Details

More than 100 sick pets in cages
Bohemia, NY (US)

Date: Apr 5, 2002
County: Suffolk
Local Map: available
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Anthony Balsamo

Case ID: 8799
Classification: Hoarding
Animal: pig, horse, goat, dog (non pit-bull), chicken, cat, bird (pet), bird (other farmed)
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Anthony Balsamo, 45, was arrested on the night of April 6 at his Bohemia home. Balsamo has been charged with animal cruelty after more than 100 sick pets that were confined in cages and crates were found in his home.

The animals were removed from Balsamo's Long Island home by the Suffolk County police and officers of the SPCA. He is an eighth grade science teacher at Seneca Junior High School in Holbrook.

The officials found dogs, cats, birds, horses, goats and pigs locked in cramped cages inside the residence and in stalls through the two acre property.

Also found was a dead cat, the skull of another cat, and dead tarantulas in the basement.

Roy Gross, Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, searched the property. He said, "It was a house of horrors. It's the worst case of animal abuse I've ever seen."

"These animals were in such horrible condition. they were covered in fleas, feces and urine. Many of them just skin and bones, some couldn't stand."

There was an empty coffin in the garage, witch dolls, ornamental skulls and gargoyles adorned many of the cages.

It seems many of Balsamo's 22 dogs were purchased from puppy mills across the country.

Some of the abused animals included emus, ducks, turkeys and chickens. These animals were discovered with firefighters responded to reports of an oil burner fire at his home. The firefighters were overcome with the stench of massive amounts of animal waste that was in the home.

Balsamo was released on bail and was rushed to Stony Brook Hospital yesterday afternoon when he complained of nausea.

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References

NY Post - Apr 7, 2002

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