Woman Who Hoarded 67 Pets In Her Queens Home Faces Jail Time

JACKSON HEIGHTS, QUEENS -- A Queens woman faces years behind bars for neglecting the 67 cats and dogs hoarded in her urine- and feces- filled home, subjecting each to"extreme health problems," prosecutors said.

Elizabeth Grant, 50, was convicted on 108 counts of animal cruelty Wednesday, more than two years after the sick animals were found living amid filth, feces and fur inside her Jackson Heights home, said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

Authorities rescued 55 cats, 12 dogs and two turtles during a court-ordered search of Grant's hazardous home in 2016. Each suffered health problems ranging from malnutrition to severe infections, and several were so sick they had to be put down, according to court records.

"As a result of the defendant's neglect, 12 animals had to be euthanized but more than 50 have since been adopted and placed in good homes," Brown said.

A crime prevention officer first noticed something was off while visiting Grant's home on Jan. 6, 2016, to speak with her mother, who'd been the victim of a crime, according to testimony from the six-day non-jury trial.

No one answered the door, but it was left open to reveal numerous animals in what the officer described as a "filthy" interior, according to the testimony.

The officer returned to Grant's home on Jan. 28 with members of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in tow, where they were greeted by an "overpowering" stench of urine when her mother answered the door, court records state.

Piles of feces and fur could be seen throughout the house amid trash and other clutter, but the most jarring sight was the animals themselves. They bore crusty eyes missing patches of fur, some were malnourished and one cat even appeared unable to walk, according to trial testimony.

"When rescuers went in to retrieve the animals, they had to wear respirators and protective clothing," Brown said.

The veterinarian leading ASPCA's Forensics Sciences unit found even worse results examining all 67 cats and dogs found in the home. Many were in pain and suffering from severe dental diseases, severe ear infections, ear mites and a host of other ailments, court records show.

Among the sickest dogs in the house was Dorothy, a dog whose fur was matted in feces and who suffered severe dental, kidney and liver diseases when investigators found her. Dorothy's health was so poor she had to be put down, prosecutors said.

In addition to 108 counts of animal cruelty, a judge found Grant guilty of failing to provide proper sustenance, food and drink to the impounded animals.

Grant will be sentenced in Queens Supreme Court on April 29. She faces up to two years in prison and a ban from owning animals.

"Taking care of a dog or cat is a huge responsibility," Brown said. "In addition to hugs and love, pets need food, a clean home and meticulous care."

Lead photo via Shutterstock.