Update, 9:31 a.m.: According to the Smithtown Animal Shelter, animals were not handed over to the shelter following Monday's fire on Main Street.
Three employees of the shelter were on scene, according to employee Monica Stevens, however the pet shop owner did not request help from the shelter.
Update, 4:47 p.m.: Chief Roy Gross of the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said Monday afternoon that his office is investigating whether there was any animal cruelty evident at the scene, and had little else to offer in the way of a comment.
"We are in the process of investigating the fire, working with fire and police departments," said Gross. The chief added that regulation of pet dealers is overseen by the State Department of Agriculture and Markets, which is required to inspect each establishment once per year.
According to records with the New York State Department of State, Pick of the Litter incorporated in March of 2012. Elizabeth Persico took over as new manager, and .
“It’s a tough job taking care of them,” said Persico at the end of June. “But we love them all.”
Update, 2:34 p.m.: After a fire broke out above Pick of the Litter grooming and puppy shop Monday morning, 70 dogs and cats were safely rescued from the building by local fire rescue units, though five were found dead on the second floor, according to officials.
According to Smithtown Second Assistant Chief Tim Murphy, the cause of the fire - which broke out in the rear of the second floor - is still under investigation.
One person was hospitalized as a result of the fire, a neighboring male in his 20s who reported the fire shortly before noon, Murphy said.
At a 2:00 p.m. press conference, officials said they were unsure if the business was legally permitted to operate on the second floor of the building.
Update, 2:15 p.m.: Suffolk County Fire Rescue Emergency Services posted on its Facebook page, "Great work by our fire fighters, over 75 animals saved during Pet Store blaze in Smith town [sic]."
Original story: Nesconset, St. James, Kings Park and Smithtown Fire Departments are on scene at , closing Main Street from Landing Avenue to Route 111.
The puppy store and grooming shop is located at 105 E. Main St. Suffolk Police said the call came in at 11:53 a.m.
According to one firefighter on scene who declined to give his name, all dogs were removed from the store safely and given to Smithtown Animal Control.
A Smithtown Fire Marshal is also on scene, though the cause of the fire is not immediately clear.
Check back with Patch as more information becomes available.
