Narcan saves dog from overdose; E. Northport woman faces animal cruelty charges

A veterinarian’s quick action to revive a golden retriever with Narcan triggered an animal cruelty investigation that led to the arrest of an East Northport woman, authorities said.

Juliana McGarity, 35, was charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty and endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person, following a search of her home that uncovered filthy, dangerous conditions and a dozen neglected animals, according to the Suffolk County SPCA.

Authorities shared photographs of the interior of the woman’s home, where it seemed clear she was living in filth and squalor while sharing the house with at least a dozen pets.

The investigation began after a veterinarian reported administering multiple doses of Narcan — a drug used to reverse opioid overdoses — to one McGarity’s golden retriever earlier this month. The dog survived after a stay at an animal hospital.

That report, along with other complaints, prompted the Suffolk County SPCA to execute a search warrant July 19 at McGarity’s home, where they said that they found six dogs, five cats and a hamster living in squalid conditions. Investigators said the animals had no access to food or clean water and were covered in feces and urine.

The stench of rot, ammonia and waste inside the home was so overwhelming it caused officers to gag and limited their time in the house, officials said.

Authorities also said a vulnerable adult living in the home under McGarity’s care was exposed to conditions materially harmful to their mental, emotional and physical well-being.

McGarity was arrested at the scene and taken to the Suffolk County Police Department’s Second Precinct. She was arraigned the following day in First District Court in Central Islip on 12 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, along with one felony and one misdemeanor count of endangering an incompetent or physically disabled person.

The animals were removed and are receiving medical care at the Huntington Animal Shelter, the SPCA confirmed. They will be made available for adoption.

Due to the extreme conditions, the home was condemned and declared unfit for occupancy by Town of Huntington Code Enforcement officials.

_{Top photo: Provided by Suffolk County SPCA.}