A routine response by the Port Jefferson Fire Department led to the discovery of animals living in deplorable conditions, resulting in the arrest of three people on animal neglect charges.

Three people were arrested Monday after authorities say 13 animals were found living in deplorable conditions at a home in Port Jefferson.

"I never thought this would happen in my neighborhood," said Port Jefferson resident William Villatoro.

According to Suffolk police, members of the Port Jefferson Fire Department were responding nearby for a transformer malfunction when firefighters observed several different species of animals living in poor conditions on the property.

Villatoro said he woke up Monday morning to a major police response.

"I saw SWAT cars and they were telling people to come out with their hands up. I was getting ready for school and I was nervous and shocked," he said.

Investigators say 55-year-old Timothy Burden, 50-year-old Brian Burden and 44-year-old Nicole Ramunni were each charged with 13 counts of failure to provide food and water to impounded animals.

"I've seen them. They are nice people. I didn't think that was going on in there," Villatoro said.

The three people arrested were arraigned Tuesday. Authorities have not said whether any animals were removed from the property.