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Rescue groups and former staff call for Holtzville Ecology site to be closed and animals moved to sanctuaries
Summary
Dozens of public commenters — including former employees, wildlife rehabs and volunteer hospital supervisors — urged the Town of Brookhaven to close the Holtzville Ecology site and transfer animals to accredited sanctuaries following recent reporting and a Suffolk County DA probe.
Dozens of speakers at the Town of Brookhaven meeting on Jan. 9 demanded that the town remove animals from the Holtzville Ecology site, close the facility, and transfer wildlife and captive animals to accredited sanctuaries or reputable rescue organizations after former staff and animal-care supervisors described neglect and substandard enclosures.
The appeal intensified following reporting and a subsequent announcement that the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office would investigate the site. Several speakers identified themselves as current or former Holtzville staff or as hospital supervisors at local wildlife rehabs and described direct observations of medical neglect, unsanitary enclosures and wildlife returned to the site despite ongoing illness.
What people said: Presenters described cases brought to local rehabs: a Pekin duck (“Nessie”) with severe bumblefoot and lead poisoning who was returned to Holtzville against hospital recommendation; a goat that suffered a chronic leg injury and ultimately required amputation; and other animals with untreated or improperly treated wounds. Former staff members said medical procedures were sometimes carried out by people without adequate veterinary training. Several speakers urged immediate transfer of animals to accredited sanctuaries and asked the town to stop operating the facility while the DA’s investigation proceeds.
Key voices included a hospital supervisor who detailed Nessie’s condition, a former staff member who described improvised medical care, representatives of Humane Long Island and other rehab organizations offering placement and medical assistance, and multiple residents who urged a rapid town response. Humane Long Island and other rescues told the board they have placement available and offered to cover costs associated with transfer and appropriate long‑term care.
Why it matters: The Holtzville site is town‑run and public funding and oversight are implicated. Speakers argued that leaving animals in the facility during a criminal investigation risks further harm and undermines public trust. Several asked the town to accept outside offers of placement and to move animals promptly to licensed sanctuaries.
What the town said: Council members acknowledged the public testimony and said the board and staff were in active conversations with county authorities; Supervisor Panico told the meeting the care of the animals is “of paramount importance” to the board. There was no board vote recorded on closure or transfer at the Jan. 9 meeting; requests from the public were recorded as formal public comment.
Ending: Commenters urged immediate action and stressed the town should accept external offers of placement where available. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s investigation was noted during public comment; the town said it will coordinate with county authorities and consider next steps.
