400 Birds, Turtles, Chinchillas Seized From NY Home

The SPCA says it seized hundreds of animals from a Long Island home because the creatures were living in filth. The animal welfare group said that even rescuers wearing masks had to walk out of the Bellmore house several times because of the stench. In all, about 130 turtles and 270 birds were removed. A lawyer for homeowner Gary Gruber said that his client is a conservationist who rehabilitates animals. But the SPCA disagrees. “There is a lack of wholesome, fresh, sanitary air upstairs where the birds are. It’s a condition that you wouldn’t want to live in and we have a responsibility not to leave the animals there either,” Gary Rogers, of the Nassau County SPCA, said. It’s not the first time animal rescuers visited Gruber. Nearly a year ago, they removed an alligator he owned. In a deal back then, Gruber was told to clean up his home but he failed to meet the deadline. It’s not clear if he’ll face charges.