Two dogs were found dead and five others rescued from a home in Central Islip under what officials describe as hazardous and hoarder-like conditions.
First Assistant Chief Joseph Vereline, of the Central Islip Fire Department, said the situation posed serious safety risks.
“There was feces throughout the house, the smell of ammonia, so we are concerned about the oxygen levels in the house and what our members could be exposed to. That’s why hazmat handled that,” he explained.
The incident unfolded after a concerned neighbor contacted emergency services.
“One of the neighbors was concerned; they hadn't seen the male in several days,” Vereline said. “They were concerned because there was a smell coming from the house. They called the ambulance. The ambulance went there and did a wellness check on him, and that’s when this was discovered.”
A total of 40 firefighters, along with the Islip Town Hazmat team, responded to the scene at the Islip Landing condominiums. The residence, located on the second floor, was described by responders as having conditions similar to those found in hoarding situations.
Authorities have not released the name of the man living in the unit. He was taken to the hospital for evaluation.
The Suffolk County SPCA is currently evaluating the five surviving dogs and has confirmed that a criminal investigation is underway.