27 Neglected Dogs Rescued From Suffolk County Home

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. — Authorities responding to a house fire in Hauppauge ended up rescuing 27 neglected dogs living in deplorable conditions.

According to the SPCA Chief of Department Roy Gross, the Hauppauge Fire Department along with the Suffolk County Police Department responded to a home on Joyce Drive for the report of a fire Saturday. When they arrived on scene, the fire had already been extinguished but as the fire chief tried entering the home, several dogs tried to get out. The smell from the home was reportedly overwhelming.

The SPCA responded to the scene around 6 p.m. Saturday and made access to the location. Officers with the SPCA had to wear hazmat suits to enter the home.

Gross said 27 dogs, all dachshunds, were rescued from the home. SPCA detectives charged the owner of the home, 57-year-old John Lowrey, with 27 counts of animal cruelty.

The investigation is still ongoing but authorities suspect a hoarding condition.

"One of my officers said it's the worst he's ever seen," Gross said.

A number of the dogs had to be taken to emergency clinics and some of the puppies, who were in the worst condition, were dehydrated, had lice, were soaked in urine and feces and had urine burns around their eyes.

The dogs were everywhere in the two-story home, including in the garage. Gross said he did not enter the home but he could smell the stench from the home outside.

The animals were taken to Islip Town Animal Shelter and to Save-A-Pet Animal Shelter in Port Jefferson Station.

"The happy ending is that when the dogs are ready to be adopted, they will be getting good homes," Gross said.

The house where the dogs were found has been posted as uninhabitable by the Town of Islip, Gross said. The town has not been reached for comment.

The Suffolk County SPCA asks the public to call the SPCA if they suspect animal cruelty. The SPCA can be contacted at 31-382-7722. All calls will be kept confidential.

"An animal can not pick up the phone," Gross said.

Gross thanked all the responding agencies including the Hauppauge Fire Department, Suffolk County Police and the Islip Fire Marshall.

The Suffolk County SPCA shared a video and photos of the rescued animals.

Images via Suffolk County SPCA