Nearly 100 animals seized from Loxahatchee woman, Maria Prows's home

FLORIDA -- Authorities have seized close to 100 animals from a Loxahatchee woman who they say was hoarding animals.

Photos obtained exclusively by CBS12 from Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, show the home of Maria Prows, who is in her 80’s, who they say had enough animals to fill a small zoo.

They seized 99 animals they say she had in her home and in outdoor cages including dogs, cats, guinea pigs and dozens of birds

“I don’t know if she had a fascination with these species or what led to that but I know hoarding is a psychological disorder where people just can’t help themselves,” said Capt. David Walesky, of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control.

Walesky says some of the cats were sick and some of the dogs had “severe skin problems.”

“The living conditions for all the animals was not appropriate. The dogs were loose on the property.
There were some cats in house but the majority of the cats seem to be out on the back patio. A lot of the birds had some medical problems as well,” Walesky added.

The animals seemed to be properly fed but many needed medical attention.

They say this is a classic animal hoarder case in which someone takes in far more animals than they can care for.

“There was a lot of feces, sickness. A lot of the cats had upper respiratory [issues]. It was obvious they were infested with parasites,” Walesky said.

“I just feel bad for the animals. They shouldn’t be living like that,” said Kyla Biederman, a neighbor.
We tried to reach Prows, but her gate was padlocked and she could not be reached by phone.

One neighbor says she’s called Animal Care and Control numerous times over the years about this home. She’s glad they finally came in and seized the animals.

“It’s a great day for animals, yes. Why? Because they’re out of there,” said Kerry Biederman, a neighbor.

Some of the cats have already been euthanized due to illness.

The remaining cats, dogs and birds were voluntarily surrendered by Prows and are now in the care of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control.

The Palm Beach County State Attorney’s office will decide if Prows will face animal cruelty charges.

(Sun Sentinel - Aug 15, 2015)