Demands the return of 56 dogs removed from her basement
Earlier this month, authorities arrived at Irene Monroig’s East Northport home after receiving complaints from neighbors of a bad smell, occasional loose dogs, and barking. Monroig allowed police into her home, where they discovered 56 small-breed dogs and puppies living in dirty cages in the basement. The Suffolk County SPCA has since charged Monroig with 56 counts of animal cruelty.
All the dogs, plus baby squirrels and a parrot were seized from the home, but only after the fire department was called in to aerate the entire house. The smell was still so bad that authorities went in with air tanks and gas masks.
Click the photo to read the full story from Newsday, Inc.The dogs were removed by the Suffolk SPCA, using the oranization's MASH unit (emergency mobile animal hospital) and were taken to the Huntington Animal Shelter, where they began to receive medical treatment and much-needed grooming. Originally, news came out that the dogs had been relinquished, and would be up for adoption as soon as they had received medical care, but Monroig was quick to file a temporary restraining order to stop the dogs from being spayed, neutered and adopted into new homes. A judge denied the order, but the SPCA’s attorneys have agreed to wait to take further action of spay/neuter and adoption until the case progresses further.
Suffolk County prosecutors stated they needed all evidence from the dogs’ veterinary exams before proceeding further with the case. The 56 counts of animal cruelty Monroig faces are misdemeanors in New York, carrying a penalty of 1 year imprisonment and/or a $1,000 fine. Meanwhile, the shelter has gotten over one thousand applications from individuals hoping to adopt one of the seized dogs.
Breeding or Rescuing dogs?Meanwhile, Monroig seems determined to fight the allegations that she was running a puppy mill. She claimed that what authorities found that day was her long-time “animal rescue endeavor.” Her many ads on
www.dogchannel.com under the name PUPPIES 4 YOU dispute that claim. Ads for Yorkies, Maltese and Poodles claim puppies’ champion lines, sweet dispositions, and genetic health. The vanity license plates on Monroig’s SUV, parked in the driveway the day the dogs were removed, read: “PUPPY4U.”
Monroig has also been actively registering her dogs with the American Kennel Club, who inspected her property eight years ago, and found no non-compliances. She was fined and suspended for five years for falsifying registration papers. After reinstatement in 2006, Monroig is now temporarily suspended from registering dogs with the AKC until the outcome of the case is determined.
What you can do:-
DONATE:The dogs are currently being held at the Huntington Animal Shelter, and are under the care and control of the Suffolk County SPCA. The Suffolk County SPCA is a private, non-profit organization and receives no assistance or funding from the government. They rely completely on donations from the public to pay for the rescue, investigative, educational, and spay/neuter assistance they provide. The most helpful thing anyone can do to help the dogs in this case, is to make a tax-deductable donation. To donate, or to learn more about the Suffolk County SPCA, visit their website:
www.suffolkspca.org.
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REPORT:If you see activity that looks suspicious of animal abuse, including dog or cock fighting, a puppy mill or neglect,
say something. Investigators can help determine if there is possible cruelty happening, and can take action to help the animals involved. Information on what to look for and how to report possible animal cruelty can be found on the Suffolk County SPCA’s website:
www.suffolkspca.org.
Six things you can do to help stop puppy mills:1.) Join our coalition:It’s free, fast, and you will become part of Best Friends Animal Society’s campaign to stop puppy mills and increase pet adoptions. See that gold star on the upper right of the page—click it! When you sign up, you’ll also get our monthly newsletter
“Breeding Bytes”.
2.) Get active in your own community:To download “Eight Things you Can do to Stop Puppy Mills”
click here.
3.) Adopt your next pet:We understand you may have your heart set on a puppy, or a particular breed. Don’t encourage puppy mills by buying pets in stores! We guarantee that your next perfect is waiting for you at one of the thousands of shelters or rescue groups across the country—and they’re not hard to find if you take the time to look responsibly. First, visit your local shelter. If you don’t find the right pet there, rescue from online:
www.1-800-save-a-pet.comwww.pets911.comwww.petfinder.com One can also find a dog by contacting a local breed rescue organization by searching
www.google.com. Enter a city or state, the breed you are looking for, and the word “rescue.”
4.) Tired of pet stores in your community? Let them (and potential customers) know:For information on how to hold a peaceful rally in front of a pet store,
Click here.
5.) Wear your opinion on your shirt:Do you agree that puppies aren’t products to be manufactured in America’s puppy mills and sold in stores like inventory? Say so! To order a “Puppies Aren’t Products” shirt,
Click here. All proceeds go to Best Friends’ puppy mill campaign.
6.) Support legislation that regulates and reduces breeding of animals. Several websites are available to help people stay updated on legislation for all animal issues, including breeding:
Animal LawALDFSaponlinePosted by Kelli Ohrtman: Best Friends Animal Society
Main Photo: Kiko, (not associated with the case). Available for adoption from the Huntington Animal Shelter. To learn more about Kiko, click here.