ASHTABULA COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) – A tip reporting inhumane conditions led to 72 cats and three dogs being seized from one individual accused of hoarding them in two “biohazard” houses, the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League confirmed.
Now the ACAPL is over capacity, desperate for donations to give these animals the urgent veterinary care they need, and adoptions by the loving homes they deserve.
THE FIRST HOME
The complaint filed on ACAPL.org reported numerous cats were living in inhumane conditions in a city of Ashtabula home, according to ACAPL.
ACAPL said their humane officer and city dog warden went to the home on May 15 and “found the conditions to be hazardous to the health of the animals and humans.”
Said conditions included urine soaked floors covered with fecal matter from overflowing litter boxes and a flea infestation, ACAPL said and showed in the photos below.
“It is unacceptable for any living being to be subjected to such conditions,” ACAPL stated.
All 44 cats, the majority of which in dire need of urgent veterinary care, were removed from the home, according to ACAPL.
ACAPL told 19 News the cats were “in really bad condition,” with many suffering from an upper respiratory infection from the fecal matter and odor of ammonia in the unsanitary house considered to be a biohazard.
“It’s an overwhelming smell of fecal ammonia. Your throat instantly burns. Your eyes burn. You’re walking on uneven ground, that is, you know, layers and layers of urine and feces,” said Diane King, the shelter director at ACAPL.
Some of the cats suffered from having only one healthy eye, or blindness in both, ACAPL shared.
Two of the cats had to undergo enucleation, a surgical procedure which removes the entire eyeball and optic nerve, according to ACAPL.
WARNING: the photos in this gallery contain graphic images of the cats and their inhumane conditions. Viewer discretion is advised.
THE SECOND HOME
The investigation into the animal hoarding led authorities to discover a second location where the same individual kept pets in unsanitary conditions, ACAPL confirmed.
ACAPL said 28 cats and kittens and three dogs were seized from his second home outside the city of Ashtabula on May 27.
The health department was notified of this home also deemed uninhabitable for both animals and humans, ACAPL stated.
The cats seized from this second home were in better health than those taken from the first home, according to ACAPL.
“There’s animals, you know, everywhere, like their eyes pleading at you to help. So that’s what we do here. But the environment itself is it’s unlivable for any animal or human,” said King.
Some have already been treated, spayed or neutered, and cleared for adoption with a clean bill of health, ACAPL shared.
The conditions of the dogs were unknown at the time of this report.
MAKING A CASE
ACAPL said they were unable to share further information regarding the individual and location of the uninhabitable homes at this time, as charges are still pending.
19 News will continue to share updates on this developing story.
SOS AT ACAPL
All 72 cats and kittens and three dogs were brought under the care of the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League shelter, located at 5970 Green Road in Ashtabula.
“This case has led to an overwhelming number of cats now in our care,” ACAPL admitted.
ACAPL told 19 News they are contracted by the county to take in all strays and animals seized by the warden.
“The animals pour in daily and we make room for them no matter what we have to do,” ACAPL stated. “We do not euthanize for space, so we desperately need other rescues and shelters who might be willing to accept transfers.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
ADOPT
All of the kittens are not yet old enough, and many of the cats are still in need of veterinary care before being available for adoption.
“It’s really important for us to find them good homes so that we can continue to serve these little guys. Not to the best of our ability and to help more animals out there, there’s a lot of need in Ashtabula County,” said Catena Shore, the ACAPL executive director.
However, there are dozens of animals who are ready to have a loving home to call their own.
If you want to open your hearts by giving the gift of a “fur-ever” home, here are the links to all adoptable animals waiting for you at the shelter:
Make an appointment with the adoption counselors by calling 440-224-1222 or email adoptions@acapl.org.
ADOPTION SPECIAL
With the shelter over capacity, ACAPL is holding an adoption special now through Sunday, June 1, in hopes of finding “fur-ever” homes for as many animals as possible this weekend.
The adoption fee for adult cats is reduced from $50 to $35.
The adoption fee for adult dogs is reduced from $110 to $70.
The ACAPL adoption fee includes:
- up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccinations and preventative treatments
- spay/neuter surgery
- microchip
- and of course, a lifetime of love!
FOSTER
Even if you aren’t able to adopt at this time, but still have some room in your home and heart, you can become a foster.
You can help save a life even if you can’t make make a lifelong commitment.
DONATE
For those who are unable to adopt or foster at this time but still want to help, you can donate necessities for the shelter and presents for the animals there.
With the ACAPL over capacity, they are both desperate for adoptions, and monetary donations for medical care.
You don’t even have to go to the store or stop by the kennel to drop off your item donations!
Just purchase these items from the ACAPL wish lists on Amazon or Chewy, and they will be automatically delivered to the kennel.
VOLUNTEER
If you are unable to donate money or items, consider donating your time by volunteering at the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League.
“Our volunteers of Ashtabula County Animal Protective League help support staff in daily operations and care of animals awaiting forever homes,” ACAPL stated. “The help of volunteers keeps the shelter running and we are always in need of more helping hands that are willing to provide care and support to animals in need!”
This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.
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