LI Couple Dumped 30 Rabbits In Calverton Woods: Suffolk SPCA

RIDGE, NY — A Long Island couple was arrested for dumping 30 domestic rabbits in a wooded area in Calverton, the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced on Monday.

Kathi Willi, 59, and William Melton, 52, of Ridge were arrested and charged with animal abandonment, a misdemeanor under Agriculture and Markets Law, on Sunday, officials said.

SPCA chief Roy Gross said that on July 5, the agency was contacted by a rescue group, and subsequent investigation by detectives led to the arrest of the couple, who were charged with “30 counts of abandonment of the domestic rabbits.”

“We would like to thank the Rabbit Rescue Groups for their intensive search both day and night,” Gross said. “Several rabbits were found deceased and the live rabbits are presently being cared for by the rescue groups.”

Both Willi and Melton are scheduled to appear for arraignment on July 30 in First District Court in Central Islip.

Gross asked anyone who might have witnessed any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk, to contact the SPCA at (631) 382-7722.