NORTHPORT, NY – Authorities in Suffolk County say more than 200 animals were rescued from hazardous conditions inside and outside a Northport home following an investigation into alleged animal hoarding.
Samantha Boyd, 57, of Northport, has been charged with multiple counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty as well as endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person. Prosecutors allege that a 95-year-old woman was also living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions at the residence. Boyd’s partner, Neal Weschler, 61, faces separate charges of animal cruelty.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) led the response on October 1, 2025, after executing a search warrant at the property on Fort Salonga Road. Investigators say they discovered 206 domestic and wild animals, including cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and small mammals, housed in cages overcrowded with waste and debris. Officials described the interior as heavily cluttered and infested with insects and other pests, creating conditions that made parts of the home impassable.
Among those found was a 95-year-old woman on the second floor, allegedly confined by the buildup of debris. She was safely removed from the residence.
Boyd is certified by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as a wildlife rehabilitator. State authorities have been notified of the findings and her certification status is under review.
The Town of Huntington has cited the property for building and fire code violations and is overseeing remediation.
Rescue Effort
The large-scale rescue was carried out in a single day, with BEAST detectives working alongside the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, Suffolk County Police Department, the Department of Social Services, and multiple nonprofit animal rescue groups.
Animals were transported to organizations including Humane Long Island, Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, Sweetbriar Nature Center, Save the Animals Rescue Foundation, Long Island Rabbit Rescue, Strong Island Animal Rescue, Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons, and the Wildlife Center of Long Island. Each group provided medical evaluations, shelter, and rehabilitation.
Officials say many of the animals will be available for adoption through these organizations once they are healthy.
Rescue Organizations Involved
| Organization | Role in Rescue / Adoption Info | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Humane Long Island | Assisting with veterinary care, rehabilitation, and adoption placement | humanelongisland.org |
| Sweetbriar Nature Center (Smithtown) | Wildlife rehabilitation and care for rescued animals | sweetbriarnc.org |
| Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center (Hampton Bays) | Providing medical care, shelter, and rehabilitation | wildliferescuecenter.org |
| Save the Animals Rescue (STAR) Foundation | Rescue and adoption services for domestic animals | savetheanimalsrescue.org |
| Long Island Rabbit Rescue | Specialized care and adoption for rescued rabbits | longislandrabbitrescue.org |
| Strong Island Animal Rescue League | Emergency response, rescue, and fostering of animals | strong-island-animal-rescue-league.myshopify.com |
| Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons | Care and rehabilitation for turtles and reptiles | turtlerescueofthehamptons.org |
| Wildlife Center of Long Island | Rehabilitation and sanctuary placement for wild species | wildlifecenterli.org |
Charges and Prosecution
Boyd faces multiple misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Vulnerable Elderly Person, also a misdemeanor. Weschler has been charged with animal cruelty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Brooke Salvatore of the BEAST Unit, with the investigation led by Detectives Tricia Waring and Joanna Westrack.
Key Details
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendants | Samantha Boyd (57, Northport), Neal Weschler (61) |
| Charges | Multiple counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty; Boyd also charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Vulnerable Elderly Person |
| Date of Search | October 1, 2025 |
| Location | Fort Salonga Road, Northport, NY |
| Animals Rescued | 206 animals (cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, squirrels, ducks, pigeons, quail, parrots, tortoises, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, birds, reptiles, etc.) |
| Victim | 95-year-old woman allegedly confined by debris |
| Agencies Involved | Suffolk DA’s BEAST Unit, Suffolk Sheriff’s Office, Suffolk Police Department, DSS, Town of Huntington, and multiple rescue organizations |
| Outcome | Animals removed, elderly woman rescued, property cited for fire/building code violations |
Q&A: Over 200 Animals Rescued
Q: What is the Suffolk County BEAST Unit?
The Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) is a specialized unit within the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office focused on cases involving animal cruelty, environmental hazards, and biological threats.
Q: How many animals were rescued in this case?
A total of 206 animals, including domestic pets and wild species, were removed from the home.
Q: What will happen to the rescued animals?
They are currently receiving medical evaluations and rehabilitation. Many will be placed for adoption through participating rescue organizations once they are healthy.
Q: What charges are Samantha Boyd and Neal Weschler facing?
Boyd has been charged with multiple counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Vulnerable Elderly Person. Weschler has been charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty.
Q: Was anyone else endangered by the conditions in the home?
Yes. A 95-year-old woman was found on the second floor, allegedly confined by clutter and debris. She was safely removed during the operation.
Q: What happens next in the case?
The case is under prosecution, and Boyd’s certification as a wildlife rehabilitator is under review by state authorities. Additional code violations are being addressed by the Town of Huntington.
