61 cats living in unsanitary conditions rescued from home in Ohio

On Apr 14, 2021

Sixty-one cats were rescued Tuesday from unsanitary living conditions in a home in Upper Arlington, officials with Columbus Humane said.The conditions of the cats will be evaluated by the shelter, but many were showing signs of illness related to overcrowding.“It’s hard to believe anyone was living in the conditions we found inside the home, and quality of life for both the animals and people was clearly compromised,” said Chief Humane Agent Kerry Manion. “The right choice was to intervene.”Columbus Humane will be pursuing charges for cruelty to animals; section 959.131 of the Ohio Revised Code, and a probable cause hearing is set for April 21.“Cats are social animals and can thrive in small-group housing; but intense overcrowding, an overwhelming accumulation of feces and infectious diseases made this home exceptionally cruel for cats,” said CEO Rachel D.K. Finney. “I’m grateful that we can provide the care these cats need and deserve. We have a lot of work to do.”The rescued cats are being fully examined and treated for illness by Columbus Humane veterinary staff. Since the cats are being held as evidence in a criminal investigation, the cats will not be up for adoption until and if the court awards custody to Columbus Humane, officials said.For more information, visit columbushumane.org.

UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio —

Sixty-one cats were rescued Tuesday from unsanitary living conditions in a home in Upper Arlington, officials with Columbus Humane said.

The conditions of the cats will be evaluated by the shelter, but many were showing signs of illness related to overcrowding.

“It’s hard to believe anyone was living in the conditions we found inside the home, and quality of life for both the animals and people was clearly compromised,” said Chief Humane Agent Kerry Manion. “The right choice was to intervene.”

Columbus Humane will be pursuing charges for cruelty to animals; section 959.131 of the Ohio Revised Code, and a probable cause hearing is set for April 21.

“Cats are social animals and can thrive in small-group housing; but intense overcrowding, an overwhelming accumulation of feces and infectious diseases made this home exceptionally cruel for cats,” said CEO Rachel D.K. Finney. “I’m grateful that we can provide the care these cats need and deserve. We have a lot of work to do.”

The rescued cats are being fully examined and treated for illness by Columbus Humane veterinary staff.

Since the cats are being held as evidence in a criminal investigation, the cats will not be up for adoption until and if the court awards custody to Columbus Humane, officials said.

For more information, visit columbushumane.org.