155 Animals Rescued From Glen Cove Home Since June Arrest, Officials Say

GLEN COVE, NY — It's been nearly three weeks since a Glen Cove woman was arrested on charges related to keeping more than 150 cats and 2 dogs inside her home, according to the Glen Cove Police Department — and animal rescuers say some cats may still be at large.

As of June 29, 155 animals have been rescued from the home, two of which were dogs, the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals told Patch. The NCSPCA said trapping efforts may continue for cats believed to have had indoor-outdoor access to the property.

Detective Brian Wasserman with NCSPCA previously told Patch he and his team are committed to rescuing all of the animals.

"We have to continue to trap and come back until there is nothing to trap," Wasserman told Patch. "We'll get them all."

Alena Horbatko, 54, pleaded not guilty at her arraignment on June 9 in Glen Cove City Court to 67 counts of torture, injury, not feeding an animal, two counts of second-degree reckless endangerment, and one count of acting in a manner injurious to a child under 17, according to Nassau County Felony Court.

One animal was found deceased inside the home when the search began, and another later died while being transported for veterinary treatment, according to the Nassau County District Attorney's Office.

Horbatko operated a website where she advertised the animals for sale, prosecutors said.

She was released on her own recognizance following her arraignment, and Judge Capobianco issued an animal ownership ban and two stay-away orders of protection, the DA's office said. Horbatko is due back in court on Aug. 10, prosecutors said.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly is considering additional charges in the case, the DA's office said.

Police said Horbatko's 18-year-old daughter called the police to flag the situation because she was concerned about her 12-year-old sister.

The ASPCA, which is separate from the NCSPCA, said it transported 31 cats to the ASPCA Adoption Center in Manhattan at the request of the Nassau County District Attorney's Office.

"We commend the local agencies that quickly mobilized to remove these cats from harm's way and look forward to seeing them thrive as we help to give them the second chance they deserve," Vice President of ASPCA Cruelty Response Elizabeth Brandler said.

The NCSPCA is funded entirely through community donations and does not receive funding from Nassau County or the ASPCA. Wasserman said the organization relies on the charitable nature of neighbors to carry out rescues and care for animals in need.

Many local pet stores, including Petco in Plainview, have also helped support the NCSPCA and the rescued animals through donations and supplies.

Several City of Glen Cove employees have also opened their homes to foster or adopt cats.

Sue Tripp, one of the first city employees to adopt, said she was grateful for the opportunity to give a kitten a loving home.

"It was impossible not to want to help," she said.

City employees have also donated food, supplies, and their time to support the rescue effort.

Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck thanked those who have assisted with the ongoing response.

"From the volunteers and rescue groups to our own city employees who stepped up to adopt and donate, this has
been a powerful reminder of the kindness and heart within our Glen Cove community," she said.

There are still many rescued cats and kittens for adoption. Cove Animal Rescue is accepting adoptions and donations to support the remaining animals. For those interested in adopting or donating, folks can contact the Cove Animal Rescue at 516-676-5913.