AC&C said it discovered the conditions Thursday afternoon in the home when officers were called to investigate a report of 10 or more cats inside the home breeding and in need of care.
When officers arrived, they noticed a strong smell of ammonia coming from the home and could see multiple cats and what appeared to be inches of feces through the windows.
During the investigation, AC&C said almost everything inside the home at 908 Elmer Avenue was covered in about four to six inches of cat feces.
Officials think there are about 50-60 cats in the home. The animals were well fed but were living in such filthy conditions, it's caused behavioral issues.
As of Friday afternoon, Peggy Bender with AC&C said officers have caught about 21 cats since the process began Thursday. She said officers will set traps and check them about every two hours, beginning around 11:30 a.m Friday to catch the rest.
The owner of the home, who drove back from vacation in Florida Thursday night, told NewsChannel 15 the man and woman who rent this home also rent and live in another home of his. He said the woman asked him if she could have a couple of cats in the home, but was shocked when he found out about the living conditions. He even described the man who rents from him as a ‘neat freak’.
AC&C said you're only allowed to legally have seven cats in a Fort Wayne home. Leaders said the Elmer Avenue cats could be put up for adoption if a veterinarian deems them good candidates. If not, the animals will be euthanized.
The people renting the home could be facing charges pending an investigation.
(WANE - March 2, 2012)
