Few remained in the Brookhaven Town auditorium on March 6 following a presentation of citations and certificates of appreciation to two town residents.
Those who stayed witnessed what soon became a contentious display, as frustrated activists again voiced concerns over neglect at the Holtsville Ecology Site, including John Di Leonardo, who was ordered removed from the room by supervisor Dan Panico.
Center Moriches resident and wild animal care professional Grace De Natale was joined by several former employees of the site turned whistleblowers. At the Feb. 13 meeting, she reminded those present of the site’s origins as a landfill and waste dump prior to 1974.
At this meeting, she reiterated her appeal to Panico and councilmembers to improve the animals’ lives, citing cases of blatant neglect, lack of proper housing, enrichment, proper diet and medical care, calling it “a prison.”
De Natale cited as examples Melina, a skunk that wasted away from cancer; Wilber, a pig suffering from abscesses; Clover, the opossum that spent days suffering from rectal prolapse and urine burns from standing in her own urine for long periods; to a 3-foot-5 Florida sand crane with a 6-foot wingspan, confined to a space the size of a closet, without adequate shelter against the harsh winter weather.
Previously, a 120-page document, including photographs compiled by current and former Holtsville employees, was the basis for Newsday’s Dec. 23, 2024 front-page story, “Holtsville Animal Preserve: Allegations of Neglect.”
Their report detailed insufficient or non-existent medical treatment/pain management by qualified veterinarians, inadequate shelter, animals showing signs of stress, overgrown hooves, untreated dental disease, bumble foot, poor diet, as well as six citations over 10 years from the USDA over the poor condition of its pens.
In response, Panico called for an independent investigation by Suffolk district attorney Ray Tierney’s office.
“This is disturbing and will be investigated independently,” he said. “We take these allegations seriously. There will be zero tolerance for any animal neglect in this town.”
However, the site remains open nearly three months later. Speakers against the site were heckled, booed, and catcalled by a line of people standing across the rear wall, even though there were seats available. Some of them held signs in violation of stated town policy that no photographs or signs are allowed during the meeting.
Speakers who spoke in defense of the site received loud cheers and applause from the group along the wall, identified by Brookhaven Town Highway Department supervisor as “brothers and sisters from highway.” The Holtsville Site is under the Highway Department’s supervision.
Three Holtsville supporters were given more than the allotted 3 minutes to finish their remarks, including Kristin Layer, Brookhaven Town zookeeper who spoke for an additional minute. De Natale believes the town’s failure to halt these behaviors is evidence of its tacit support of the Highway Department.
Citing these irregularities, including boorish, bullying, and harassing comments made at whistleblowers who spoke on Feb. 13, as well as his frustration after months of negotiations with the town to transfer Honey the bear to a sanctuary more suited to its care, Di Leonardo castigated officials on March 6 for the perceived special treatment afforded to Highway Department supporters.
“There is nothing humane about Holtsville,” he said.
The council heard comments from two additional speakers, after which supervisor Panico closed the session with a reminder about the need for civility and decorum in government.
Neither Panico nor director of communications Drew Scott responded to a request for comment on the meetings.
There was no reference to the public comments March 7 on “Brookhaven Today.”
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