Dozens of cats — some alive, some dead — have been pulled from a home in Wales.
The animal cruelty investigation started after a social worker visited the Ridge Road home and reported horrific conditions.
“It’s kind of hard to describe,” Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Director of Animal Welfare Liam Hughes said.
Court documents described waste on the floor, cats climbing in and out of the ceiling and a mound of plastic bags with dirty cat litter “as big as a car.”
“Most of the cats had upper respiratory issues, ear and eye infections,” Hughes said.
On Wednesday, State officials found 26 animals classified as “poultry,” like guinea hens and chicken, alongside 63 cats and 31 dead cats.
Concern over the cats’ medical care drove the state to take away 83 cats and kittens in November 2019.
“We feel that we did everything appropriately,” Hughes said.
After delays brought on by COVID-19, Judge Charles Dow ruled most of the cats should be returned, adding the owner didn’t violate the “permissible standards of care.”
The case was dismissed for “lack of merit.”
“It’s disappointing,” Hughes said. “We had the opportunity to help these animals, and we had an opportunity to help this person as well.”
The animals that were rescued are getting another chance.
They are going to local shelters to be evaluated again.
“Without their help, we couldn’t do what we do when we run into situations like this,” Hughes said.
He said anyone overwhelmed or having trouble caring for animals to reach out to your local shelter or animal control officer first.
“They can help tie you into resources to help reduce the problems that you’re seeing,” Hughes said.
The investigation is ongoing.