Residents, animal‑welfare groups urge Brookhaven to close Holtsville Ecology Center; call to halt live animal Groundhog Day events

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 to attend or promote the Holtsville Groundhog Day event; he described prior USDA action at the Long Island Game Farm and urged alternatives, such as costumed humans or animatronics.

Former employees and wildlife rehabilitators supplied specific accounts: Rose Lynch, who said she works at the Wild Center, described a Pekin duck named Nessie who had lead poisoning, severe bumblefoot, old fractures and a bone infection; she said Nessie improved quickly after receiving proper veterinary treatment. Alex Kehoe described a bear named Honey who had chronic health problems and alleged staff had used a high‑pressure hose on the animal. Former employee Kathleen recounted a goat called JB that suffered a torn ligament, prolonged stall rest with soiled wraps and, ultimately, amputation; she said JB received minimal veterinary care and no pain management following surgery.

Jessica Chiarello, who said she supervises a wildlife hospital, said Humane Long Island is working with the district attorney’s office to secure placements for more than 200 animals and asked the board to refrain from any “humane wash” messaging around Groundhog Day events. Multiple speakers said former Holtsville staff had described untrained personnel performing surgical procedures without anesthesia and veterinarians advising by phone rather than examining animals.

Supervisor comments and board process: Board members said investigations and internal meetings with highway department employees would continue. The board did not vote on any directive at the meeting; supervisors said they were still gathering information and would continue meetings with staff and stakeholders.

Why it matters: The allegations raise animal welfare, public‑funding and public‑safety concerns and prompted calls for immediate transfer of animals to licensed sanctuaries and for the town to stop public promotion of events that use live wild animals.

What happens next: Board members said meetings with highway department staff will continue and that the town is in contact with external authorities; no board decision on closure or removal was taken at the hearing.