Missouri: 40 cats, one dog rescued from condemned home, resident arrested

MISSOURI -- Forty-one animals were rescued from a Jefferson City home Thursday and a woman was arrested on charges of cruelty to animals.

According to the Jefferson City Police Department, an administrative search warrant was served at 415 E. Ashley St. just before 10 a.m. Thursday by members of the police, code enforcement, Fire Department and animal control.

The warrant had been issued because of a number of complaints going back to 2015 about code enforcement issues and concerns about "an excessive number of animals at or within the residence."

Photo: Julie Smith, News Tribune

Jefferson City officials issued an abatement order at the home in December 2015, leading to the removal of trash and junked vehicles from outside the home. The release from the JCPD notes "the complaints at the time included junk at the residence, along with strong odors and obvious lack of upkeep."

After the warrant was served Thursday morning, the home was found to be in an uninhabitable condition and was condemned. Staff removed 40 cats and one dog from the home in various stages of health and the animals were taken to the Jefferson City Animal Shelter for treatment. The shelter closed to the public today to address the influx of animals, but will reopen for normal business tomorrow.

The resident of the home, Carolyn Goyda, 58, was arrested 41 counts of cruelty to animals, a Class A misdemeanor, and transported to the Cole County Jail, pending charges and bond, if applicable.

(News Tribune - June 23, 2016)