The battle for the survival of the Double D Bar Ranch (Manorville), a local animal sanctuary, continues to intensify. Recently, the Suffolk County District Attorney's office charged the sanctuary with 112 violations, but the ranch is not backing down.
The sanctuary's legal team, led by Attorney Nora Constance Marino and, Joseph W. Murray—who is also my personal lawyer—remains resolute in their defense. Attorney Murray recently commented on the statements made by Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, saying, "In my opinion, the DA’s statement is completely unethical and violates the code of professional responsibility. Prosecutors hold significant power, and they must respect the defendant's right to the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial by jury."
In a recent press release, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney was quoted stating, "No matter what name it operates under, a ‘sanctuary’ is not a sanctuary when it becomes a place of suffering. Our commitment to protecting animals is unwavering."
While the DA's statement reflects the serious nature of animal protection, I believe such investigations should be conducted with sensitivity and discretion, avoiding sensationalistic press releases that may cause undue harm.
Animal rescue is an inherently delicate matter, and the individuals involved are often motivated by deep compassion for vulnerable creatures. In this case, the investigation seems to target a man, Richard Devoe, who has devoted the last three decades of his life to rescuing abandoned and neglected barn animals.
Having spoken with several individuals familiar with the sanctuary's history and having reviewed pictures of the facility, it is abundantly clear that Mr. Devoe, 86, is a dedicated animal lover.
He has given everything to caring for animals that others have discarded. Rather than criticizing someone who has spent his life saving animals, the Suffolk County authorities should be offering their support and resources. Instead of attacking the sanctuary, they should be helping Mr. Devoe expand his capacity to continue his valuable work.
It’s important to recognize that Long Island is home to very few sanctuaries that focus on barn animals. If Double D Bar Ranch were to close, it would mean the loss of one of the region’s few remaining places where neglected and abandoned animals can find refuge. Unfortunately, the world of animal rescue can sometimes be a highly competitive and judgmental space, where individuals are criticized rather than supported.
There are instances of jealousy, especially regarding the land and infrastructure that sanctuary owners like Mr. Devoe have built. Rather than fostering a sense of community and collaboration, too often people in the field tear each other down.
In my opinion, the charges brought against Double D Bar Ranch will be extremely difficult for the prosecution to uphold in court. The case has become increasingly complicated, and I believe that when the defense team presents their arguments, the case will likely fall apart. While District Attorney Tierney has had significant success in high-profile cases, such as his heroic work in reviving the investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders, this case represents a very different challenge.
The focus here should be on protecting and supporting the work of dedicated animal rescuers, rather than tearing them down.
At the end of the day, the true victims in this case are the animals.
If the charges stand, it could mean the loss of an invaluable resource for Long Island's abandoned and neglected barn animals. Instead of focusing on punitive measures, the Suffolk County DA's office should work with sanctuaries like Double D Bar Ranch to create better outcomes for these vulnerable animals and the communities that rely on them.