120 cats brought to Animal Humane Society's Golden Valley facility

February 10, 2009

One hundred and twenty cats were removed from a home in St. Anthony on Tuesday, February 10 by an Animal Humane Society rescue team.

Working in cooperation with the St. Anthony Police Department, the cats were surrendered by their owners in what is considered an animal hoarding case. The Animal Humane Society humane investigation team was contacted by a concerned citizen.

The conditions in the home were deplorable with mounds of debris and the smell of cat urine.  Dozens of cats were in cupboards and on counters in the home and had free reign of the home.

The cats are receiving medical examinations at the Golden Valley facility.  It is uncertain at this time if any of the animals are adoptable as AHS veterinary staff are seeing signs of health and behavior problems that are indicative of animals that come from these environments.

According to Kathie Johnson, director of animal services, situations such as these are tragic.  “From start to finish cases like these are so unfortunate.  These not your typical house cats. They are damaged from their marginalized environment—both psychologically and physically. It is a tragic situation—and difficult for our staff that is now forced to make the difficult decisions now that they are in our care."

Charges have not yet been filed against the individuals.

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