The Michael and Marilyn Gladstein animal hoarding case began on September 1, 2010, when firefighters responding to an alarm at a West Hills, Long Island home discovered more than 100 living animals and dozens of dead dogs inside. The married couple, both 57 at the time, were arrested and charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty in what became one of the largest hoarding prosecutions in Suffolk County history.
What Firefighters Found on Chichester Road
The Huntington Manor Fire Department was dispatched to 168 Chichester Road on an automatic fire alarm. There was no fire. There was a smell strong enough that firefighters needed breathing apparatus and protective gear to go inside. The source was ammonia from dog urine that had saturated the floors so thoroughly the wood was rotting and caving in.1Newsday. Dozens of Sick or Dead Animals Found at West Hills Home
Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross called the conditions “deplorable.” The house had no furniture. Animal waste and carcasses were scattered throughout. Investigators reported between 30 and 40 dead dogs, along with skeletal remains and body parts of other dogs. Some dead animals were in the kitchen sink and bathtub.2Newsday. Cops Arrest West Hills Couple on Animal Abuse Charges Surviving dogs had no food or water, and investigators watched them fight and kill each other over the small amount of water firefighters had left behind.
In a backyard shed, rescuers found an emaciated pony unable to walk because of a bone deformity. Its hooves had grown so long they had to be trimmed with a hacksaw.3ABC7. 115 Dogs Rescued From Long Island Home
The Animals Rescued
Working from a search warrant, authorities removed 115 living dogs, three goats, one cat, and the pony from the 33-acre property.4Long Island Press. Officials: Huntington Couple Abused More Than 100 Animals Most of the dogs were small breeds, largely Pomeranian, Chihuahua, and Yorkshire Terrier crossbreeds. They were distributed among the Town of Huntington Animal Shelter and several local rescues for medical screening and adoption.
SPCA workers described the dogs as “very loving” despite what they had lived through, with one worker saying 99 percent of them showed positive behavioral turnarounds within a week. Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone said the town was weighing whether to waive adoption fees to place the animals faster. The pony was reported to be recovering, and adoption was being considered for it as well.
Charges Against the Gladsteins
Michael Gladstein, a dermatologist, and his wife Marilyn were arraigned on September 2, 2010, before Judge Richard Horowitz in District Court in Central Islip. Each was charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty, a felony under New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law, based specifically on the failure to provide food and water for the emaciated pony.2Newsday. Cops Arrest West Hills Couple on Animal Abuse Charges
Both pleaded not guilty. Bail was set at $50,000 cash or $400,000 bond for each defendant. Judge Horowitz ordered Marilyn Gladstein to undergo a medical and mental evaluation, and Michael Gladstein was assigned a court-appointed attorney. Prosecutors said they would present the case to a grand jury on September 7, 2010, with additional charges pending.4Long Island Press. Officials: Huntington Couple Abused More Than 100 Animals
Aggravated cruelty to animals carries a potential sentence of up to two years in prison.5Suffolk County SPCA. Cruelty and Neglect The Suffolk SPCA also pursued a civil claim to recover the cost of rescuing and rehabilitating the animals, seeking $142,800 to cover 30 days of care.
Who the Gladsteins Were
Michael J. Gladstein was a board-certified dermatologist with roughly 47 years of medical experience at the time of the case. He graduated from NYU Grossman School of Medicine and completed his residency at NYU Hospitals Center, with an internship at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami.6Healthline. Dr. Michael Gladstein He practiced at offices in Brooklyn, Astoria, and Staten Island.7American Medical Association. Michael J. Gladstein, MD
What Happened to the House
The Town of Huntington condemned the Chichester Road house shortly after the animals were removed, finding it structurally unsound.4Long Island Press. Officials: Huntington Couple Abused More Than 100 Animals The colonial, originally built in 1938, sat vacant for years, with reports of fallen ceilings and continuing damage from neglect.
The property was later listed for sale as a Real Estate Owned property, indicating a lender had repossessed it. The listing described a “Large Colonial” with a three-car garage and told prospective buyers to “bring your contractors and imagination.” Records show a sale on December 30, 2025, for $1,234,000, followed by another transaction at $1,440,001 on January 28, 2026.8Redfin. 168 Chichester Rd, Huntington, NY
Suffolk County’s Animal Abuse Registry
The Gladstein arrests came the same year Suffolk County established what was reported to be the nation’s first animal abuse offenders registry. Convicted offenders must register their name, photograph, and address with the Suffolk County Police Department. The registration period was initially five years and was later extended to ten. Registered offenders are prohibited from owning or possessing animals during that period, and pet stores, shelters, and rescues are required to check the registry before completing adoptions or sales.9Suffolk County Legislature. Suffolk County Code, Chapter 299