News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Crime
Weather
Power & Politics
Rebuilding Brooklyn
Taking Action
Partly Cloudy
79°
Local
Crime
Weather
Power & Politics
Rebuilding Brooklyn
Taking Action

LI woman accused of animal abuse, cramming 45 animals in U-Haul

Pennsylvania police said they found 17 dogs, 13 cats, 12 birds, one duck, one rabbit and a fish. One dog needing to be put down due to injuries.

News 12 Staff

Aug 23, 2026, 9:03 AM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

A Long Island woman was arrested on animal abuse charges in Pennsylvania after she was allegedly found with 45 animals inside a U-Haul van Wednesday night, according to Derry Township police.

Police said they responded to a report of suspected animal abuse and neglect at the Hershey Animal Emergency Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania at around 9 p.m.

Upon arrival, police say they found the U-Haul in the parking lot containing a large number of animals in the back and front compartments without access to water.

Screenshot 2026-08-23 082719.png

They say the vehicle was also littered with luggage and food emitting a strong animal odor. According to officials, the driver, Selma Kizil, claimed to be transporting the animals from her animal rescue on Long Island to her new home in Oklahoma City.

An investigation revealed that the animals were subjected to inhumane conditions, resulting in one dog needing to be put down due to injuries.

The dog was one of 17 found in the van, along with 13 cats, 12 birds, one duck, one rabbit and a fish.

Screenshot 2026-08-23 082910.png

Kizil was charged with aggravated animal cruelty, neglect of animals and cruelty to animals.

Police are working to find temporary homes for the animals.

Top Stories

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices