Double D Bar Ranch, Inc., a self-proclaimed animal sanctuary in Manorville, was arraigned on 112 counts of animal neglect. Specifically, it is alleged that Double D Bar Ranch neglected a broad variety of animals by failing to provide them with proper care including adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. The animals that were allegedly neglected include, but are not limited to cows, goats, horses, pigs, sheep, a mule, and an alpaca.
In early January, Suffolk County Police Department detectives detailed to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) began visiting Double D Bar Ranch almost daily after receiving numerous complaints about the welfare of animals on the property. These complaints were exacerbated by the frigid, sub-zero temperatures that were consistently occurring at the time. Once on the property, detectives allegedly observed hundreds of animals with improper shelter and no access to liquid water. Among the animals on the property were a dog, cats, horses, cows, goats, sheep, an alpaca, pigs, chickens, turkeys, mules, peacocks, and assorted waterfowl. Some animals were allegedly found dead. Several animals allegedly had untreated medical conditions including dental disease, tumors, matting, untreated wounds, lameness, respiratory infections, arthritis, emaciation, swollen body parts, and overgrown hooves, claws, and nails.
BEAST detectives spent several weeks working with various public and private partners to triage the animals. During such time, BEAST detectives worked hundreds of hours on the premises personally tending to the animals’ needs. Dozens of animals of various species have since been removed and efforts to remediate the premises are continuing. An appearance ticket was issued on February 11.
Two days later, on February 13, Double D Bar Ranch was arraigned on 112 charges before District Court Judge Susan A. Berland. BEAST prosecutors requested two court orders which were both
granted by Berland. Those orders require Double D Bar Ranch to not take in any additional animals during the pendency of the case, and for law enforcement to continuously monitor the welfare of the animals that are still on the Double D Bar Ranch property. Double D Bar Ranch is due back in court on February 24.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office received assistance on this case from 13 Hands Equine Rescue, Blue Arrow Farm, Deep Hollow Ranch, Eastern Snouts, Humane Long Island, Mattituck Laurel Veterinary Hospital, Suffolk County Farm/Cornell Cooperative Extension, The Suffolk County Executive’s Office and The Town of Brookhaven.
“No matter what name it operates under, a ‘sanctuary’ is not a sanctuary when it becomes a place of suffering,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “Our commitment to protecting animals is unwavering. When those who claim to provide care instead allow neglect and cruelty, we will take necessary action. This prosecution reflects our dedication to ensuring that no animal is left to suffer without food, water, shelter, or medical attention. We are grateful to our many partners, law enforcement and beyond, who stepped in and stepped up for these animals.”