NY man arrested after 25 dead cats found hanging from tree

YONKERS, N.Y. -- The discovery by public works employees last April was as horrifying as it was heartbreaking - 25 dead cats hanging from a tree.

Now, authorities have charged Rene Carcamo, 60, with animal cruelty and violation of environmental conservation law in the case.

Officials say Carcamo of Yonkers illegally disposed of the dead cats by placing them in plastic bags and hanging them from a tree on Overlook Terrace in Yonkers. That's a violation of environmental conservation law.

He is also charged with two counts of animal cruelty for failure to provide medical attention for two kittens, discovered in his possession by the HLE Unit during its investigation in July.

Yonkers Department of Public Works employees discovered the bodies of 25 cats hanging from a tree, and several dead felines on the ground on April 24, 2014.

The SPCA's HLE Unit and Yonkers Police conducted interviews with residents in the neighborhood and pursued all leads. Carcamo was questioned on several occasions by authorities.

In July, Ernest Lungaro, Director of the SPCA's HLE Unit instructed Carcamo to get veterinary assistance for kittens living in his apartment that were visibly sick. When it was determined that he had not complied, Lungaro removed the kittens from his home. A veterinary exam found that the kittens had conjunctivitis, discharge from nose and mouth and were severely neglected.

The SPCA of Westchester has been treating other feral and stray cats living at Carcamo's home for disease and illness, performing spay and neuter surgeries and seeking a safer place for them to live. Officials say they are looking for outdoor facilities such as barns to house the cats.