(Ed. Note: The following letter was sent to Judge Richard McCord and is printed here at the author's request.)

We understand that Marilyn Shapiro of East Island has been cited in connection with the deplorable condition of an unfinished, unoccupied house that contained 11 dogs, the 10 survivors of which are being temporarily held in Glen Cove shelters.

We are writing to urge you to rule against returning the dogs to Shapiro. Eight years ago, we adopted one of Shapiro's dogs and believed her when she said that the dilapidated and dangerous conditions we witnessed at the time were temporary as they were caused by a recent storm. She claimed then that the house, which held more than 20 dogs was in the process of being repaired. We were horrified to discover, after reading the news article and speaking with the Glen Cove Animal Lover's League, the poor conditions continue to this day.

When we adopted our dog, she was eight weeks old and her eye had been bitten by either a rat or raccoon. The wound was so bad that the vet at the time didn't know whether there was even an eye to save. Fortunately, there was. However, Lucy was infested with worms, fleas and a permanently frightened disposition. We later learned that none of Lucy's litter mates survived to maturity.

Marilyn Shapiro may believe she is an animal lover. The reality proves otherwise. She is not fit to care for dogs and, since they cannot speak for themselves, we urge you to act for them by not sending them back to her. Please allow for their adoption into loving and caring homes.

Please feel free to call us should you have any questions.

Kathleen Boyes and Hal Neier