When you think of hoarding, you probably imagine a home stacked to the ceiling with newspapers, knickknacks, or dirty dishes. Unfortunately, some people also hoard animals. The latest sad example of this is a case out of Rochester, New York, where 125 cats were removed from a home.
Cats discovered in unsanitary hoarding conditions
According to Democrat and Chronicle, animal cruelty investigators arrived at a home on Courtright Street in Gates on Friday morning. They were responding to a report of too many cats in unsanitary conditions. What investigators discovered at the 1,600-square-foot residence was a human and over 125 felines. It took two days to remove all the neglected pets.
Ashley Zeh, communications director for the Humane Society of Greater Rochester at Lollypop Farm, reported that the majority of the fur babies were kittens. Some were already dead, and at least 10 more were euthanized because of their poor health status. Many of the surviving cats were diagnosed with respiratory issues due to a flea infestation in the home.
The Humane Society of Greater Rochester is investigating the incident. It is unclear if authorities will file criminal charges against the person involved.
Humane Society steps in to care for cats
Lollypop Farm asked the public for help in fostering for the cats that are healthy enough to leave the clinic. The response was overwhelming – around 125 people stepped forward to assist the rescue organization.
But there are still ways you can help. Lollypop Farm needs donations of kitten food (in particular Fancy Feast Kitten Food, Purina Kitten Chow and Breeder’s Edge Foster Care Kitten Milk Replacer) as well as cat carriers of the 100 cats that are not ready to go to a home yet.
Finally, Zeh said that raising awareness about animal cruelty is one thing everyone can do to help prevent this kind of tragedy.
“The biggest thing is encouraging people to seek help before it becomes this sort of situation,” she said.
If you suspect animal cruelty, you can call 911 to report it. If you live in the area of Rochester, New York, you can also contact the Humane Society’s animal cruelty hotline at (585) 223-6500.
