NEW YORK -- An Elmira Heights man is currently facing animal cruelty charges following the seizure of 42 cats from his home Thursday.
Elmira City Animal Control officers were anonymously notified Thursday afternoon of a large number of cats at the home of 47-year-old Robert Wood, 214 W. 14th St., Elmira Heights.
According to officers, the 42 cats were removed from Wood’s garage, which was in “very poor condition.”
The cats were transported to a local veterinarian where they were evaluated and treated for low body weight, external parasites, mites, respiratory infections and eye infections, according to officers.
The cats are currently being cared for at the Elmira Animal Shelter. The recent increase in cats has presented a challenge to shelter staff and volunteers.
“We have volunteers coming in and helping us; socializing them, helping us care for them,” said Craig Spencer, director of animal control for the City of Elmira. “It puts quite a burden on our facilities here when you increase the cat population by that much in one hour.”
Though animal cruelty charges are still pending, Wood has been charged with multiple violations, including failure to provide rabies vaccinations, according to Spencer.
Elmira Animal Control was assisted at the scene by Elmira Heights Police and Code departments and the Elmira Fire Department’s HazMat Team.
The investigation is ongoing.
(Corning Leader-Jul 5, 2014)
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