Wildlife Rehabilitator Arrested After 206-Animal Rescue

Samantha Boyd, 57, a New York State–certified wildlife rehabilitator in Northport, Long Island, was arrested alongside her partner, 61-year-old Neal Weschler, after Suffolk County investigators executing a search warrant found roughly 206 animals living in squalid, overcrowded conditions at their Fort Salonga Road home. The animals—including roosters, geese, squirrels, parrots, dogs, cats, ferrets, tortoises and others—were kept in cages amid piles of waste, contaminated food and pest infestations, and many appeared injured or ill. A 95-year-old woman was found confined by debris on the second floor of the property. Boyd was charged with multiple counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person, while Weschler faces animal cruelty charges. The District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) coordinated with rescue nonprofits to remove the animals, provide veterinary care and prepare many for adoption or transfer to sanctuaries or the wild. Boyd pled not guilty and was released pending a future court date, and local officials have referred building and fire-code violations to the Town of Huntington.