A Long Island Livestock Sanctuary Faces Allegations of Animal Neglect

1. The Charges and Investigations

A livestock sanctuary on Long Island, Double D Bar Ranch in Manorville, is facing 112 counts of animal neglect after investigators uncovered shocking conditions on the property. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s office alleges that dozens of animals, including cows, goats, horses, pigs, sheep, an alpaca, and a peacock, were deprived of basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. The investigation was launched after numerous complaints were raised about the welfare of the animals. When authorities visited the ranch last month, they found the animals in appalling condition, unkempt and suffering from a variety of untreated health issues, including dental disease, tumors, untreated wounds, respiratory infections, and overgrown hooves. The discovery has sparked widespread outrage and concern for the well-being of the animals still on the property.

2. The Horrific Conditions and Rescue Efforts

The conditions at Double D Bar Ranch were described as filthy and inhumane, with piles of feces and even corpses of animals found in close proximity to living animals. John Di Leonardo, an anthrozoologist and director of Humane Long Island, played a key role in rescuing dozens of animals from the site. He described the scene as heartbreaking, with animals exhibiting severe signs of neglect and distress. For example, chickens were found with parasites in their legs and combs mangled from frostbite, while a malnourished mule was seen swaying from side to side—a clear indicator of extreme and chronic distress. Despite the rescue efforts, Di Leonardo estimates that hundreds of animals remain on the property, raising concerns about their fate.

3. The Sanctuary’s History and Mission

Double D Bar Ranch was initially established in 1999 with a noble mission: to provide a safe haven for neglected and abused animals. The owners claimed to have started the sanctuary after rescuing 50 animals from a neighboring farm and later grew it into a charity organization. Over the years, the ranch relied on donations and charity drives to operate, positioning itself as a refuge for animals in need. However, the recent allegations of neglect have raised serious questions about the sanctuary’s true priorities and practices. The stark contrast between its mission and the horrifying conditions discovered by investigators has left many wondering how such a situation could have developed under the guise of animal welfare.

4. The Owner’s Defense and Accusations of Hoarding

The attorneys for Double D Bar Ranch, Nora Constance Marino and Joseph Murray, have denied the allegations, insisting that the ranch was not abusing its animals. However, John Di Leonardo, who has extensive experience in animal abuse cases, believes the situation points to a deeper issue: compulsive hoarding. He described the ranch’s owner, Richard Deveo, as exhibiting classic signs of a hoarder, prioritizing the accumulation of animals over their well-being. Di Leonardo recounted how Deveo reportedly pleaded with authorities not to take his chickens, referring to them as his “biggest money-makers,” and expressed distress over the removal of a peacock, calling it his “main attraction.” These comments suggest that Deveo views the animals more as commodities than as living beings in need of care.

5. The Legal and Ethical Implications

The case against Double D Bar Ranch highlights the complexities of animal welfare enforcement and the challenges of distinguishing between genuine neglect and malicious intent. While the sanctuary’s owners maintain their innocence, the evidence gathered by investigators paints a damning picture of systemic neglect. The legal proceedings will likely focus on whether the conditions at the ranch constitute criminal neglect or if they can be attributed to other factors, such as resource limitations or mismanagement. Regardless of the outcome, the case serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter oversight of animal sanctuaries and the importance of holding owners accountable for the welfare of the animals in their care.

6. A Call to Action for Animal Welfare

The revelations about Double D Bar Ranch have sparked a broader conversation about animal welfare and the ethical responsibilities of sanctuaries. While many sanctuaries operate with the best intentions, cases like this underscore the need for transparency, accountability, and resources to ensure animals receive the care they deserve. John Di Leonardo’s work with Humane Long Island and other organizations highlights the critical role of advocacy and intervention in preventing animal suffering. As the legal case unfolds, advocates hope it will lead to stronger protections for animals and greater awareness of the warning signs of neglect and hoarding. In the meantime, the focus remains on rescuing the remaining animals and ensuring they find safe and loving homes where their needs are prioritized above all else.