Queens woman accused of hoarding dozens of animals in urine-soaked home

QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) — A Queens woman is accused of hoarding dozens of sick animals in a filthy and urine-soaked home, and three cats didn’t survive the deplorable conditions, authorities said.

Elizabeth Grant, 56, is facing 88 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, overdriving, torturing
or injuring an animal, criminal contempt, and failing to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal, prosecutors said Thursday. The defendant violated a court order banning her from having animals until April 2028.

“Pets are not collectibles,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.

Authorities rescued 26 dogs and 12 cats from the two-story home in Jackson Heights on May 21, according to the complaint. One of the cats, a 3-year-old Shih Tzu mix, was emaciated, had a corneal ulcer, and matted fur with urine and feces, while one of the dogs had a blind eye, according to court records. Three cats were found dead in the house.

“These animals – and the rescue teams that helped bring them to safety – were exposed to severely dangerous hazards and deplorable conditions,” Stacy Wolf, senior vice president of ASPCA Policy, Response & Engagement, said.

The animals were treated at ASPCA recovery centers and have since been adopted.

Grant pleaded not guilty at her arraignment and was released without bail, according to court records. Her attorney could not immediately be reached Thursday.

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

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