LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — A social worker seeing patients at her Long Island, New York, home is facing myriad charges and her house has been condemned after an estimated 300 animals and 100,000 roaches were found on her property, prosecutors confirmed.
Karin Keyes, 51, is charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty confinement and could face fines and jail time if convicted, WNYW reported.
The ordeal began in early October when patients Keyes had asked to look after the animals while she was out of town accidentally tripped the Miller Place residence’s fire alarm, indirectly alerting authorities to the hoarding situation, WNBC-TV reported.
According to WNYW, Keyes’ friends referred to her as “Snow White” because of her love for animals, and several defended her well-intentioned actions.
“(Keyes) found out a pet store was closing and went to rescue the animals because she didn’t want them to be homeless,” friend Danielle Ward told WNBC, adding, “When she found an animal was sick or needed a home, she went and took it under her wing, and I guess it got out of control.”
According to the TV station, animal control officials located at least 118 rabbits, 150 birds, seven tortoises, three snakes and 15 cats on Keyes’ property, and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals staff were on site to help remove the hoarded animals.
“The caregivers tripped the fire alarm, brought fire department to the scene, led to fire marshal, led to building department, led to animal control, led to district attorney, led to ASPCA,” Jed Painter, the bureau chief of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Biological Environmental and Animal Safety Team, told WNYW.
“It is a terrible living environment that no animal or human should have to endure,” he added.
Despite the conditions in the home, all of the animals are expected to live, prosecutors confirmed to WNBC.
According to WNYW, the animals will receive medical care and will be placed with rescue organizations and wildlife centers.