In a heartbreaking discovery that’s sparking both outrage and compassion, 30 cats were found abandoned in cages along the Southern State Parkway near North Massapequa, Long Island.
The shocking scene was uncovered on Tuesday, April 29, by two teenagers biking through nearby woods. The cats—ranging from adults to kittens—were trapped inside cages without food or water. Animal rescuer John DeBacker quickly responded to the call for help and described the sight as “horrifying.”
Alongside the New York State Police, SPCA, animal control, and other volunteers, DeBacker helped safely remove the animals and transport them to the Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter in Syosset for evaluation.
“These cats didn’t look like long-term strays,” DeBacker said. “It’s clear someone had cared for them. But this many animals? It’s just too much for one person.”
That person, it turns out, is 29-year-old Thomas McDermott, who told local news outlets that the cats are his beloved pets. McDermott recently lost his housing and had been living in the woods with the cats for about a week. He claims he fed and watered them daily and had only left them temporarily while he went to work.
“I love them. They’re my cats and I’ve been taking care of them for years,” McDermott told NBC 4. “They probably just finished their food before they were found.”
While town officials have acknowledged McDermott’s bond with the cats, they made it clear that living outdoors—especially near a busy highway—is not a safe or humane environment for animals or people. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly emphasized the need for proper care, shelter, and veterinary treatment.
“We can’t have animals living by the parkway in cages,” Donnelly said. “They need shelter, food, and medical care.”
The DA’s office has launched an investigation to determine whether any animal cruelty laws were violated. So far, no charges have been filed.
As for McDermott, he’s hoping to reunite with his furry companions. But whether that will be possible remains uncertain, as the final decision will rest on the outcome of the investigation.
For now, the cats are safe, receiving care at the shelter—and waiting for a clearer future.
He is homeless and did his best! Don’t charge him with anything!