Story by Ethan
On August 15th, 2024, charges against Elizabeth Grant, 56, were announced by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. Elizabeth Grant was arraigned on an 88-count indictment on August 14th, 2024. Elizabeth Grant was also charged with Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, Overdriving, Torturing or Injuring an Animal, Criminal Contempt, and Failing to Provide Proper Food and Drink to an Impounded Animal.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated, “Pets are not collectibles. They require care, adequate food and water, and a clean place to live. Sadly, this defendant is charged with doing little more than accumulating pets and failing to provide the basic sustenance for life. Three animals are dead as a result of this defendant’s alleged negligence and the others suffered from diseases and other ailments.”
Stacy Wolf, Senior Vice President of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Policy, Response & Engagement commented, “The severity of this recurring hoarding situation – which has resulted in the suffering of countless animals and has put a tremendous strain on local resources – shines a light on the complexities and far-reaching effects of animal hoarding and how incredibly challenging it can be to effectively address and prevent. These animals – and the rescue teams that helped bring them to safety – were exposed to severely dangerous hazards and deplorable conditions. We thank our partners at the NYPD and the Queens District Attorney’s Office for continuing to pursue justice in this case, and we hope to see an end to the ongoing pain this situation has caused for all of those involved over the years – animals and people alike.”
According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, a court-authorized search warrant of Elizabeth Grant’s residence was carried out on May 21st, 2024. Before even entering the house, responding officers noted a strong smell of ammonia. The scent of ammonia was so strong and irritating, responding officers were required to wear protective gear while searching the house. Several dogs could be seen on the first floor, as well as a deceased cat found under a table. As officers entered the residence, allegedly they saw feces, fur, urine, and trash scattered both across the floor and on pieces of furniture. An infestation of flies was also present alongside the garbage mentioned earlier. No clear food or water was seen to be accessible for any of the animals.
Elizabeth Grant’s house was also in a very poor state, and showed signs of heavy disrepair. A ladder was needed to access the second floor, due to the stairs being damaged to the point of being unusable. The ceilings were also peeling and rotting from water damage that came from Elizabeth Grant neglecting to take care of the house.
Allegedly, there were twenty-six dogs and twelve cats rescued from the residence. Three deceased cats were also recovered from the house. A veterinarian examination concluded that the environment the animals were stuck in was completely inadequate and unkept. The medical problems the animals suffered from were a product of the overcrowded and filthy conditions of Elizabeth Grant’s house. Many of the rescued animals were cared for and placed into ASPCA rehabilitation programs in order to receive treatment to help them overcome the fearful behavior they demonstrated. A lot of the animals the ASPCA cared for made full recoveries, and were adopted into new qualified homes.
The Queens District Attorney’s Office stated that the charges against Elizabeth Grant are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
