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Residents, animal‑welfare groups urge Brookhaven to close Holtsville Ecology Center; call to halt live animal Groundhog Day events
Summary
Dozens of residents, former Holtsville Ecology Center employees and animal‑welfare groups urged the Town of Brookhaven on Jan. 28 to remove animals from the Holtsville site, cease using live animals for Groundhog Day events and transfer animals to sanctuaries amid allegations of neglect and unlicensed medical practices.
Multiple community members and animal‑welfare advocates used the Town of Brookhaven public comment period on Jan. 28 to press the town to remove animals from the Holtsville Ecology Center, to stop public promotion of Groundhog Day events that use live animals, and to investigate alleged neglect and unlicensed veterinary procedures.
Speakers included former and current employees, wildlife rehabilitators and representatives of nonprofit organizations. Zara Beard described animals confined in “barren, soulless cages” and alleged injured and sick animals were denied care. John DeLeonardo identified himself as an anthrozoologist and the executive director of Humane Long Island and asked the board not…
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