Elizabeth Grant,a 50-year-old Jackson Heights woman, has been sentenced to three years probation under stringent conditions that she receive mental health counseling and not own any animals for at least 10 years. In addition, she must register with the New York City Department of Health as an animal abuser and consent to unannounced visits to make sure she does not possess any animals. The animal abuser registration will prevent city shelters, rescue groups and/or pet stores from allowing the defendant to purchase or adopt a pet.
Grant was convicted of 108-counts of animal cruelty and other charges for failing to provide adequate care for 54 cats and dogs she housed in a urine- and feces-filled home. The pets, 67 in all, were rescued in January 2016, and many of the animals had extreme health problems including malnutrition and infections. Twelve animals were in such poor health they had to be euthanized.
District Attorney Brown said, “The defendant collected cats and dogs and did little else to provide a safe, loving home for them. Sadly, the animals suffered while living in a home where the floors and furnishings were covered in feces, fur and urine. No one should live in such squalor, including the furry four-legged residents of Queens County. The sentence imposed by the Court today will ensure the defendant receives mental health counseling and restricts her from having any animals in her possession for many years to come.”
More than 50 of the animals seized from Grant’s home at the time of her arrest have been adopted, and are reported to be thriving in their new homes.
