Court Bars Glen Cove Defendant From Keeping Animals as 166-Cat Cruelty Case Proceeds

A New York court has temporarily barred a Glen Cove woman from keeping animals while a criminal case involving 166 cats and kittens proceeds. The order accompanied an arraignment reported October 22, 2026, following an investigation into conditions at her Long Island home.

Alena Horbatko pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated animal cruelty and failure to provide proper sustenance. She was released on her own recognizance. The temporary animal ban is an existing court restriction; the criminal accusations have not resulted in a conviction.

The animals were recovered in June, rather than during the recent court appearance. Authorities responded to concerns about the home and subsequently executed a search warrant. Prosecutors described severe clutter, unsafe conditions and elevated ammonia readings.

The reported total of 166 includes one kitten found dead and another animal that died while being transported for veterinary treatment. It should not be described as a count of 166 animals rescued alive.

According to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, veterinary examinations identified widespread respiratory illness and eye infections. Prosecutors said a veterinarian determined that the cats had not received adequate medical care. Those accounts form part of the prosecution’s case and remain subject to examination in court.

After removal, surviving cats received treatment and were transported through the ASPCA to its Manhattan adoption center and other local shelters for continuing care and preparation for adoption. The reviewed sources do not establish permanent placement for every animal.

Defense attorney Kevin Maccrone told Newsday that his client disputed the prosecution’s portrayal and expected the facts to emerge through the legal process. The district attorney’s release lists November 19 as the next court date.

Why This Matters for Animals

The temporary ban restricts the defendant from keeping animals while the case continues. It is a concrete protective measure separate from the eventual determination of guilt.

The case also concerns basic daily care across a large group of animals. Sanitary housing, veterinary attention and reliable placement remain central welfare needs beyond the initial removal. The recent development is the court restriction and prosecution, not a new rescue operation.

Source: Nassau County District Attorney’s Office — Glen Cove indictment and temporary animal ban