Neighborhood News

Authorities rescue 400 animals from Bellmore home

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More than 400 animals –– many exotic, some endangered –– were removed by officials from the Bellmore home of Gary Gruber, according to the Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office.

Most of the animals were taken away in cages and sent in a modified horse trailer to sanctuaries. Among the creatures were alligator snapping turtles, pigeons and a skunk, according to Gary Rogers, a SPCA spokesman.

Also found were dogs and cats. They remained at the home, as they were family pets and were housed in a separate area away from the exotic and wild animals, Rogers said. Gruber was given care instructions by a veterinarian, he noted.

Neighbors had complained about the animals housed at the Ocean Avenue home. Reportedly, the stench of the animals’ feces was overwhelming.

"The home, the air inside the house, it lacked proper ventilation," Rogers said.

At press time, officials were deciding whether and how Gruber might be charged. He had, officials said, been warned previously. A year ago, an alligator was removed from his home, they said.

The State Department of Environmental Conservation cited Gruber because animals that are illegal to keep as pets were found in his home, Rogers said.

Gruber’s attorney –– Nathan DeCorpo, of Lynbrook –– could not be reached for comment at press time. He told Newsday that his client took in animals that others had not wanted. Upkeep of the animals had fallen off after Gruber’s health declined.