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Animal Abuse Hotline Credited For 16 Arrests In Nassau County

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - It's been one year since the animal abuse hotline in Nassau County was opened.

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice hugged Noelle, a German Shepard, and said the dog would not be alive today if someone did not call the hotline to report Noelle was injured and starving after she was neglected by her owner.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall with DA Kathleen Rice on the animal hotline's success

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Rice said the hotline has helped prosecute 16 people in the county, including a mother and daughter from Rockville Centre who had 24 dead animals in their home.

"Investigators discovered 17 sick and malnourished animals as well as 24 dead animals, some still with muzzles on their heads or were locked in cages that were far too small to hold them," said Rice.

Noelle is recovering from leg surgery but will be up for adoption soon at the Glen Cove Animal Shelter.

"These are not easy cases to prosecute. You have a victim who can't tell you what happened and very often it can be a sign of more serious crimes like domestic violence," said Rice.

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