Courtesy ASPCA
Elizabeth Grant, 56, has been indicted on 88 counts, including animal cruelty, after over 20 pets were found in deplorable conditions.
MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
Elizabeth Grant, 56, has been charged in an 88-count indictment with aggravated cruelty to animals, criminal contempt, and other offenses following the discovery of more than 20 dogs and cats living in deplorable conditions at her Jackson Heights home.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the charges on August 15, detailing the squalid state of the residence, where three cats were found dead.
““Pets are not collectibles. They require care, adequate food and water, and a clean place to live,” Katz said. “Sadly, this defendant is charged with doing little more than accumulating pets and failing to provide the basic sustenance for life. Three animals are dead as a result of this defendant’s alleged negligence and the others suffered from diseases and other ailments.”
According to the indictment, police executed a search warrant at Grant’s home on May 21, 2024. They reported a strong odor of ammonia at the entrance and observed numerous dogs on the first floor, as well as one deceased cat. Upon entry, officers found feces, urine, and flies throughout the residence. The environment was described as severely deteriorated, with stairs in disrepair and a ceiling showing signs of rot.
Stacy Wolf, senior vice president of ASPCA Policy, Response & Engagement, commented on the indictment.
“The severity of this recurring hoarding situation – which has resulted in the suffering of countless animals and has put a tremendous strain on local resources – shines a light on the complexities and far-reaching effects of animal hoarding and how incredibly challenging it can be to effectively address and prevent,” Wolf said. “These animals – and the rescue teams that helped bring them to safety – were exposed to severely dangerous hazards and deplorable conditions. We thank our partners at the NYPD and the Queen’s District Attorney’s Office for continuing to pursue justice in this case, and we hope to see an end to the ongoing pain this situation has caused for all of those involved over the years – animals and people alike.”
The indictment includes charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, overdriving, torturing or injuring an animal, criminal contempt, and failing to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal. The criminal contempt charge stems from an alleged violation of a court order barring Grant from owning or controlling any animals through April 30, 2028.
The indictment of Elizabeth Grant underscores the critical responsibilities outlined by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for responsible pet ownership. The AVMA emphasizes that owning a pet is a privilege that comes with significant duties, including providing lifelong care. This means committing to the well-being of a pet for its entire life, which involves choosing animals that fit one’s lifestyle and avoiding impulsive decisions that could lead to inadequate care.
Grant’s case highlights a failure to meet these fundamental responsibilities. The AVMA stresses that pet ownership requires a substantial investment of both time and money. Grant’s alleged negligence in providing basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care reflects a disregard for these essential commitments. Moreover, the AVMA advises that pets should be kept in a safe and suitable environment. The conditions described in Grant’s home—marked by squalor, lack of clean water, and inadequate shelter—violate these guidelines.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz criticized Grant for failing to provide basic care, violating a court order.
For animals that spend extended periods outside, the AVMA recommends providing habitats that protect their health and safety. In Grant’s case, the lack of proper care and shelter for the animals, combined with the severe environmental degradation in her home, illustrates a breach of these standards. Furthermore, the AVMA underscores the importance of proper identification and registration for pets, adherence to local laws, and managing pet overpopulation through practices such as spaying and neutering.
The indictment also brings attention to the AVMA’s emphasis on regular veterinary care, which includes preventive measures like vaccinations and parasite control. The poor health conditions of the animals rescued from Grant’s home, including severe underweight and untreated medical issues, point to a lack of appropriate veterinary attention. Additionally, the AVMA highlights the need for socialization, training, and environmental considerations to ensure that pets do not negatively impact others.
Justice Toni Cimino arraigned Grant and set a return date for September 27, 2024. If convicted, Grant faces up to two years in prison.
The investigation led by the NYPD’s 115th Precinct resulted in the rescue of 26 dogs and 12 cats. A veterinarian’s examination revealed severe health issues among the animals, including extreme underweight, matted fur, inflamed skin conditions, and eye problems. The animals were taken to the ASPCA’s Animal Recovery Center in Manhattan for immediate care, with many eventually being adopted into new homes.
Assistant District Attorney Justin Bobko is prosecuting the case with oversight from Supervising Assistant District Attorney Nicole Reid and other senior prosecutors.
Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Grant faces up to two years in prison if convicted; the animals have been rescued and are receiving treatment.
