100+ Animals Pulled From NY Home So Unsafe It Was Condemned—Calls for Justice Grow Louder
In Wilton, New York, authorities discovered a nightmare inside a suburban home—dogs, cats, and farm animals living in such severe neglect that the house itself had to be condemned as a health hazard. Officials described conditions so unsanitary that first responders wore hazmat suits to enter, and rescuers reported that 90% of the animals were suffering from serious skin infections caused by flea infestations.
Two women, 72-year-old Nancy Kenny and 32-year-old Rachel Furman, are now facing dozens of animal cruelty charges. But advocates say criminal charges aren’t enough. Without stronger protections, the cycle of neglect and abuse will repeat again.
A Home of “Unimaginable Hazard”
On August 15, 2025, Saratoga County officials executed a warrant at 1** Louden Road in Wilton. What they found was shocking: a home so contaminated with filth and animal waste that hazmat crews had to ventilate the building before safe entry was even possible.
“The home was in such a state of disrepair and filth that County HAZMAT teams had to be called in to assess the interior air quality,” said Mark E. Mykins, Supervising Building Inspector. “It had to be condemned, not only for the occupants’ safety but for the surrounding community as well.”
Inside, rescuers uncovered dozens of neglected animals—dogs, cats, and even farm animals—all showing signs of long-term mistreatment. According to Kelly DeVall, Director of the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, nearly every single animal was crawling with fleas, their bodies riddled with painful infections.
“I can’t tell you the last time I saw that many fleas,” DeVall said. “These animals were suffering.”
A Costly Rescue, Paid for by the Public
Caring for the survivors is now falling on shelters and taxpayers. DeVall estimated that just the initial intake cost exceeded $2,000, with ongoing care projected at $300 per day to treat medical conditions and restore the animals’ health.
“This is what happens when animals remain in the hands of abusers,” said DeVall. “It doesn’t just devastate the animals—it places enormous strain on our community and resources.”
Neighbors, too, were horrified. “We couldn’t really do much outside because of the smell,” said neighbor Yanette Lopez. “At night you could hear all the animals, strange noises—it was heartbreaking.”
Why Stronger Laws Are Needed
While Kenny and Furman now face dozens of animal cruelty charges, advocates argue that prosecution alone is not enough. Without a permanent ban on animal ownership, convicted abusers too often repeat their offenses.
The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors has already scheduled a public hearing for September 10 to discuss creating an Animal Abuse Registry—a step advocates hope will prevent animals from falling into the wrong hands again.
But animal advocates stress that mental health support must also be part of the solution. Severe neglect cases often involve deeper psychological issues that, if left untreated, can perpetuate the cycle of cruelty.
“What’s needed is compassionate accountability,” said one advocate. “Ban abusers from owning animals, but also address the root causes through counseling and mental health support. That’s how we break this cycle for good.”
The Call for Justice
This case isn’t just about two women in Wilton—it’s about setting a precedent. Across the country, animals suffer when weak laws and light sentences allow abusers to continue keeping pets.
Journey, the puppy left to die in a plastic tote in South Carolina. The Bennettsville golden retriever strangled by a town chairman in Wisconsin. And now, more than 100 flea-ridden, neglected animals pulled from a condemned home in New York. The pattern is undeniable, and the consequences are tragic.
A Chance for Change
For the dozens of animals pulled from unimaginable suffering, hope is finally possible. With veterinary care, foster homes, and community support, many will recover and, in time, find loving homes.
But for real change to happen, accountability must extend beyond this one case. These women must never be allowed near animals again, and Saratoga County must lead by example—enacting strong protections to prevent future suffering.
The animals rescued from Wilton will carry the scars of neglect for life. But their story can fuel change that protects countless others.
Sign the petition. Demand justice. And make sure this cycle of cruelty ends here.
To continue speaking up, sign these other petitions as well:
- Albuquerque Man With Violent Past Accused of Killing Two Dogs After Family Dispute
- Texas Ranch Cruelty: Dogs Found Starving, Burned, and Abandoned
- “They Left Me Behind”: Starving Dog, Seven Puppies, and Elderly Woman Abandoned After Eviction
- Couple Locked Dog in Crate, Starved Her Until She Was Disfigured. Now the Public Demands Justice.
- Snapchat Video Shows Woman Urging Dogs to Kill 15-Year-Old Cat. Outrage Follows.
