ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The St. Joseph County Animal Control is reporting that over 150 cats were seized from a home in Park Township earlier this month.
Tuesday, WOOD TV 8 reported that officials received a tip on August 3 about a home that was hoarding cats.
Upon arrival the next day, responders were overwhelmed by the odor of the home, even while wearing protective equipment. The conditions of the home were described as “deplorable,” later being unsafe for human occupation.
The property owner and a family member were on site when the home was searched and are said to have been cooperative with the investigation, though the owner has been cited and further charges are being reviewed.
The cats ranged in age and some had varying health issues. Two had to be euthanized immediately.
Deputy Greg Musser told WOOD TV 8 that it’s the biggest animal rescue case the county has ever seen.
“We have had a pretty large case about five years ago with the case with some exotic animals, but no, this was by far in the history of St. Joe (Joseph) County the biggest animal seizure that we’ve done,” Musser told WOOD TV 8.
Later, the animal control unit of St. Joseph County issued the following statement in a Facebook post:
“This past Tuesday we took in over 150 cats that were removed from a home in this county. We have been working tirelessly to take care of all these cats on top of the normal business. We are doing our best to answer the phone and return messages. We are in need of wet and dry kitten food, litter, pee pads, laundry detergent and bleach. We are also in need of gently used baby blankets. If you would like to donate, please bring it directly to Animal Control. If no one is available you can leave it outside of the gate.
Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Animal Control is temporarily closed to the public. We are doing adoptions by appointment only. Please call 269.467.6475, ext 4 to leave a message.“
There are still ten cats available for adoption that are unrelated to this case. Musser said that now would be a good time to adopt one, if any residents had previously been interested.
The Animal Control Unit may also seek help from other animal shelters in managing these cats.
The case remains under investigation at this time.
