Wyoming County Animal Control Officer Justa Goodell received an anonymous phone call late Sunday night about a house with several cats living in deplorable conditions.
While Goodell thought that she would find 20 to 30 cats on the property, when she went to check on the situation Monday morning, what she found prompted a call to both the State Police and Wyoming County Building and Codes officers, who ultimately condemned the property.
Approximately 100 cats have been found and the house is condemned as unfit for human habitation.
"The house is now condemned," Goodell said. "As of this time, only the police and rescue personnel are allowed in the house."
The notice on the door states that the home is unlivable by human standards.
County Officials and volunteers found the home as "very poor living conditions for animals or humans."
Property owners Douglas F. Russell and Tracy E. Hoeppner-Russell and close to 100 cats were found inside the Smallwood Road home, which was described as a hoarding situation by County Officials.
"The house has no water or electricity," said a deputy Animal Control officer. "We are unsure [how long the utilities have been shut off]."
The homeowners are currently staying with friends and family.
So far, the cats are deemed disease free.
"Of the 54 cats that were examined Tuesday, we found one with a missing eye, a broken paw, and a number of them are sick," said Veterinarian Steve Stoddard, of the Perry Veterinary Clinic.
Stoddard, aided by licensed Veterinary Technician Amber True, found a number of cats with respiratory viral infections, general illness, fleas, and ear mites. All of the felines are on the thin side and some are dehydrated and are being tested for feline leukemia and immunodeficiency virus, Stoddard said.
Eight of the cats had to be euthanized and several had corneal ulcers.
According to Stoddard, a number of the cats are in good health despite the parasites, but they are few and far between. Both neutered and intact males were found, as well as female felines. There is no on-site way to determine if the females are spayed.
As of this post, County officials and volunteers have not found feral cats on the property nor in the house. So far, all the cats have been found inside the house. Additionally, all are pretty docile and act just like a house cat would. The felines did have access to both food and water inside the home.
Animal Control, as well as volunteers, have spent close to 10 hours finding and crating the cats Tuesday and they were back at it again this morning.
"We are going to be here as long as it takes to find all the cats," Goodell said.
Today, Officials also found a deceased dog near the front bushes of the property.
Melissa Henchen, of Going to the Dogs Rescue out of Perry, is assisting with the placement and fostering of the cats.
New Start Kitty Rescue's shelter manager, Vickie Bly, said they may end up taking 80 plus cats to their shelter.
"If anyone wishes to donate," Bly said. "Our wish list includes scoopable litter, old towels, bedding, Purina Kitten Chow and foster homes."
Some of the cats have already been taken to the Wyoming County Animal Shelter, fostering and New Start Kitty Rescue on Dentons Corners Road.
Hoeppner-Russell, 40, and Russell, 41, both of Warsaw, were charged for the Agriculture and Markets law misdemeanor of torturing or injuring animals.
Both property owners are scheduled to appear in Warsaw Town Court at a later date to answer the charges.
Those interested in fostering the cats can contact, 585-786-8938 or e-mail wycodogcntrol@yahoo.com to make arrangements, or call Bly at New Start Kitty Rescue at 585-493-5206.
(Wyoming County Free Press - Sept 17, 2014)
