Authorities Rescue 50+ Cats From Hoarding Crisis in Long Island Home

Animal rescue workers need help taking care of the dozens of cats that were taken from a home on Long Island over the weekend.

The Suffolk County SPCA says that when they went to a house in Bohemia, they found at least 50 cats that needed to be taken away right away and given medical care. They are getting care from the Town of Islip Animal Shelter.

A number of dead cats were also found inside the house. Reports say that the house was condemned after officials went there because they smelled a strong ammonia smell, which led to the disturbing finding.

“This is really one of the worst. I’ve cleaned out a lot of hoarding situations before, but 61 cats? There were almost 30 dead cats; 24 of them were found in the freezer, and yesterday we found two dead kittens. A person who saves animals named John Debacker said, “One was in a box spring.” “That was gross.” Poop and urine were all over the walls, floors, and furniture. The steps were covered in urine, and the chairs were covered in feces.

People in the neighborhood said they knew there were cats in the house but didn’t know how bad it got.

“We knew there were tons because you could see them in the window all the time, and every day there would be a delivery from Chewy for food or supplies,” said Brian Bang. “The disturbing part is the smell, and the constant of them going to the bathroom on your property all the time.”

Police said the homeowner has lived at the house for more than 30 years; his wife died in April. He did not want to talk to reporters.

The Suffolk County SPCA was looking into it. There was no news right away about possible charges.

A lot of the cats that are still alive need medical care right away. You can help the Suffolk County SPCA with exams and treatments on Tuesday if you are a qualified vet or tech. Call the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722 if you’re interested.