A concerned neighbor called animal control to 23 Burgess Road in Casco last week. When they arrived, they found dozens of cats inside.
Animal control has removed 24 so far, but there is an unknown number of cats still inside the house.
"Those that have gone to the veterinary clinics have been surprisingly healthy. We're just waiting for some tests to come back to make sure they don't have any communicable diseases," said Casco Town Manager Dave Morton.
Some animals, however, didn't make it out. Animal control found several dead cats in the house. The survivors are going to several local shelters. The Humane Society is trying to find places for the cats that still haven't been removed.
Morton says the homeowners are cooperating. They've agreed to help pay the costs for housing and caring for the cats.
Joan McBurnie with Harvest Hills Animal Shelter says the cooperating is a good sign, but animal hoarding cases like these are still a burden on shelters that are already at capacity.
"There's only so much that one shelter can burden. So it's a community effort. This is a real issue, and I know everyone likes those television shows that they can see hoarding, well hoarding's in your backyard. It's right here and we're doing the best we can," McBurnie said.
There's no charges against the homeowners, and Morton says as long as they continue to cooperate, there shouldn't be any civil action from the town of Casco. Maine's state veterinarian came to the home to help with the initial removal.
If the Humane Society can't find space for the remaining cats, they're looking at setting up an emergency shelter.
(WGME - July 18, 2012)
