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Battle Brews Over Animal Care Facility In North Massapequa Home

NORTH MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - A battle is brewing over whether a Long Island couple can care for injured animals in their home.

The town of Oyster Bay has ordered the Horvath family to shut down the wildlife rehab center that they run from their North Massapequa house. The town says it's dangerous.

Ralph lives right next door to the home and says that's crazy.

"These animals really have nowhere to go. The town of Oyster Bay brings them animals all the time. Now they want to take the animals away from them," he told WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs.

Battle Brews Over Animal Care Facility In North Massapequa Home

The Horvaths  - Bobby and Cathy - say the rehab center provides a free and needed service for injured critters like owls, hawks, and a declawed bobcat.

But the town says the critters have to go.

Ralph disagrees.

"It's beautiful what they do. It's wonderful. They step up and speak for the animals," he said.

A petition drive in support of the rehab center has generated more than 1,000 signatures.

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