BELLMORE, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say more than 400 animals were removed from a squalid Long Island home less than a year after a 4-foot alligator was removed from the property.

The Nassau Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says the rescue — dubbed "Operation Noah's Ark" — lasted eight hours.

It says the Bellmore home had a free-roaming skunk and turtles in slimy water in addition to bird cages filled with feces.

More than 250 birds and more than 150 turtles were seized Tuesday along with four reptiles and a dozen mammals, including rabbits, chinchillas, sugar gliders and prairie dogs.

Authorities say homeowner Gary Gruber has been cited for having endangered turtles.

Defense attorney Nathan DeCorpo says people bring his client animals for rehabilitation, but that Gruber's own health has deteriorated.