Disturbing case of animal abuse has emerged after police found close to one hundred cats, many of whom were dead, within a dilapidated house. Police arrested a 75-year-old man following a probe by an animal welfare organization in the area.
Horrible Conditions Revealed: Cats Alive and Dead Amidst Filth
Responding to a complaint about scores of cats living in horrid conditions, as well as reports that dead animals were being warehoused, investigators from the animal welfare organization went to the man’s residence. There, they discovered a picture of extreme neglect, with the man and the remaining cats reportedly sharing with them “wet urine, smeared feces, grime, and filth that was covering everything,” a statement said.
The dangers to the environment within the house were so severe that the animal welfare organization requested assistance from a hazardous materials unit and the fire department. Officials who inspected the indoor air found levels of ammonia gas that were perilously high, eventually ruling the house uninhabitable.
Sad Discovery in Freezer: Remains of Many Young Cats
To the dark find, police also discovered “multiple wrapped items” within a freezer on the premises. When opened, the items were found to hold the bodies of over twenty deceased kittens, again revealing just how poor the suspected neglect had been.
Suspect Charged with Several Counts of Animal Abuse
One official with the local animal welfare organization reported the 75-year-old suspect’s arrest on several counts of animal abuse and neglect. The reports indicate that the man had been residing in the house for many years. Neighbors indicated that the couple that occupied the house had in the past placed food outside, which might have drawn the large group of cats to the house. The representative indicated that a conviction in these charges would lead to the man being put on a list that would prevent him from having pets for some time.
Rescue Mission Underway: Numerous Cats Receive Emergency Care
During the weekend, committed rescuers went all out to catch the remaining cats discovered inside the house. A lot of the rescued cats were pregnant, which made it all the more critical to provide them with care promptly. The trapped cats were removed to a local animal shelter, where they were subjected to intensive veterinary check-ups.
The animal welfare organization reported that “many cats had medical problems including upper respiratory infections, urine burns, eye disease, dental disease, missing teeth, and ear discharge.” Unfortunately, three cats’ suffering was so extreme that veterinarians concluded that humane euthanasia was the most compassionate alternative.
Community Helps Rescued Animals
A representative from a local animal rescue group posted a picture of one of the rescued cats, showing the horrific conditions they were rescued from. They posted that some of the cats would be relocated to different rescue groups, giving hope to their future. The local animal shelter will be putting all of the healthy cats up for adoption once they are recovered.
The accused will be called to court later. This case is a clear reminder of the heartbreaking outcomes of animal hoarding and the integral part that animal welfare associations play in intervening to safeguard helpless animals against cruelty and abuse.
