Bobby Horvath, a Queens firefighter and licensed wildlife rehabilitator, is on the speed dial of every animal rescuer from Manhattan to Montauk.
But the big-hearted Horvath, known for nursing injured hawks, owls, foxes and other critters back to health, is in jeopardy of losing his home base.
Officials from the Township of Oyster Bay have told Horvath he can no longer rehabilitate animals in his Long Island home. He and his wife, Cathy, have just a few weeks to find new homes for the recovering animals they are caring for.
“We only want to be good neighbors,” said Horvath, 50. “I care a lot about my community where we live and my daughter attends school. We have been the main outlet for solving most human-wildlife conflicts in our town, including my neighbors’ animal issues for over 20 years.”
Large outdoor enclosures allow hawks, owls and other birds of prey learn to fly again. Animals that cannot be released back into the wild are sent to sanctuaries or kept for educational programs.
An anonymous complaint sent inspectors to Horvath’s home last month. He was told his work violates the township’s ban against having “dangerous animals” in residential areas.
Ironically, the township’s shelter called the Horvaths several times during the inspection, seeking their help for a swan that had been hit by a car, Horvath said.
On Tuesday, the city Parks Department asked them for help with an injured beaver plucked from Brooklyn Bridge Park.
“We recognize what they are doing is a good service,” said Marta Kane, a township spokeswoman. “We know they are licensed but this is not something you can do on residential property.”
The Horvaths, who also provide free educational talks in New York City and on Long Island, said they are puzzled and heartbroken by the situation.
News reporters, animal rescuers as well as state and federal wildlife officials have been to their home numerous times.
“This is not a secret,” said Cathy Horvath.
Brooklyn-based animal rescuer Sean Casey said there will be a “gaping hole” in the rescue community if Horvath can no longer work out of his home.
“There are very few people who do what he does and even fewer people who do it right,” said Casey, a reptile expert who has worked with Horvath on numerous rescues. “He always knows the right thing and he does it out of his heart to make sure these animals get the best of care.”
Cathy Horvath said she is hoping they can find a way to start their own wildlife center someday in another area.
“We love what we do and we are not going to stop helping animals,” she said.
