A shocking discovery in a quiet Long Island suburb has left neighbors horrified, and a local man facing animal cruelty charges.
Over the weekend, firefighters in Bohemia, NY responded to reports of a foul, overwhelming stench coming from a modest home on Ocean Avenue. What they found inside was a nightmare: 28 dead cats, some rotting in plain sight, and approximately two dozen more stuffed into a freezer. Authorities also rescued 69 living cats from the property.
The Smell That Triggered It All
The Bohemia Fire Department was dispatched around 3 p.m. on Saturday after residents said the odor had become unbearable. Once inside, first responders were stunned by the grisly scene and immediately contacted authorities.
“They notified us about cats and dead cats in the dwelling,” said First Assistant Chief Brian Olsen.
“They are at this time condemning the house.”
Photos showed fire marshals placing a “KEEP OUT” sign on the front door. The home was deemed unsafe due to extremely high ammonia levels, a common sign of animal hoarding and decomposition.
Dozens of Cats Found in Freezer
According to the Suffolk County SPCA, many of the dead cats were found crammed inside a freezer, while others were discovered in various stages of decomposition throughout the home.
The homeowner, 75-year-old Stephen Glantz, was reportedly still inside the property when emergency responders arrived. He was later arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty.
Desperate Cats Seen Pawing at Windows
As responders worked to remove the animals, several living cats were seen pawing at the windows, trying to escape the toxic environment inside. The surviving cats were transported to nearby animal shelters for care and evaluation.
“The house is always surrounded by cats,” one neighbor told News12.
“It’s been like that for years.”
Neighborhood in Shock
Brandon Gennarelli, 29, a longtime neighbor, said the house had long been a source of stray cat activity.
“We’ve seen cats coming in and out… near their garage and front door,” he said.
“We assumed they were coming from somewhere close. Turns out it was this house.”
Several residents also reported a strong ammonia odor drifting into their yards in recent weeks.
Animal Cruelty Investigation Ongoing
Police and the Suffolk County SPCA are continuing their investigation. As of now:
- Stephen Glantz has been arrested
- 28 deceased cats were recovered
- 69 live cats were rescued
- Animal cruelty charges have been filed
- The cause of death for the animals is still under review
Authorities say more charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
