Queens woman charged with animal cruelty of 67 cats and dogs: DA

A Queens woman was chargedwith aggravated animal cruelty for keeping 67 animals in an unsanitary living environment, Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said.

Elizabeth Grant, 48, of Jackson Heights was arraigned Tuesday on four counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and 63 counts of torturing and injuring animals, according to the DA. She faces up to two years in prison.

Veterinary professionals said that the unsanitary conditions caused severe health problems for the animals, such as malnutrition and respiratory infections.One dog, Dorothy, was vomiting from a chronic kidney and liver disease and many other ailments, resulting in the decision to euthanize her.

Brownsaid thata crime prevention officer came to the defendant’s home on January 6 on a separate call. He observed multiple animals inside and the “filthy” environment.He and members of the ASPCAreturnedon January 28 and rescued 55 cats, 12 dogs and two turtles from the house.

“The floor and furnishings in the defendant’s home were allegedly covered in feces, fur and urine,” Brown said. “The smell of ammonia was so overwhelming, animal rescue workers had to wear respirators to breathe, as well as protective clothing when entering the premises.”