Exotic animals rescued from putrid upstate New York home; owner charged with neglect
Sixty-six animals seized, 18 more rescued days later; the property condemned as authorities investigate a case that includes wallabies, peacocks and other exotic species
Authorities say they rescued dozens of animals from a filthy Warwick, N.Y., home, including exotic species such as wallabies, peacocks, tarantulas and a bearded dragon, after investigators connected the property to an ongoing animal-neglect case. Linda Hickey, 62, was arrested on animal neglect charges following a state of extreme disarray discovered at the Old Dutch Hollow Road residence, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday.
The investigation began last year after complaints from residents, and rescue groups later removed 106 animals from the property, authorities said. On Aug. 12, deputies executed an arrest warrant stemming from the 2024 case, and last week investigators obtained a search warrant that led to the removal of 66 animals. Two days later, on Sept. 18, another 18 animals were rescued, according to the sheriff's office. Most of the animals were kept in unsanitary and feces-strewn cages, photos reviewed by investigators show.
The 66 animals seized included rabbits, geese, parrots, a raccoon, tortoises, prairie dogs, a starling, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, hamsters, ferrets, degus, a goat, bearded dragons, a snake, a hermit crab, a tarantula, peacocks, a wallaby, dogs, ducks and cats. The Warwick house was described as littered with feces and filthy rags, the sheriff's office said. All of the animals were removed and are receiving veterinary care, authorities added.
Hickey has been charged with animal neglect, and the house was condemned by local building officials, the sheriff's office said. Sheriff Paul Arteta praised the involvement of community partners, noting that Warwick Valley Humane Society and Animal Nation helped the department act swiftly to secure the animals' welfare.
Officials stressed that there is no immediate danger to public health from the scene, but the health and welfare of the animals remain the focus of ongoing investigations and care efforts. The case, which has drawn renewed attention to animal welfare in upstate New York, follows prior rescues in the region involving large numbers of neglected animals.
