Hoarding - 42 cats seized Frederick, MD (US) Incident Date: Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 County: Frederick Local Map: available Disposition: Not Charged Abuser names unreleased

Case ID: 11029 Classification: Hoarding Animal: cat View more cases in MD (US) Login to Watch this Case

Forty-two cats were brought to Frederick County Animal Control's animal shelter last Wednesday night from a home in the 9300 block of White Rock Road, off Bethel Road.

Three more cats were brought in from the home over the next few days, according to Harold Domer, director of Animal Control.

The cats were not starving, he said. "It does not appear any of the animals are in a state that they would have to be euthanized," he said.

Animal Control visited the house because of an anonymous complaint that there were 100 cats in the house and conditions were terrible, Domer said.

The county zoning ordinance allows for nine adult animals, he said. Animal Control Officer Tamalyn Stockard is investigating the case.

Many of the cats have been neutered, Domer said. It's not as easy to tell if the female cats have been spayed, he said.

The cats were examined by Buckeystown veterinarian Dr. Shelton Emery, and most were found to have minor ailments, Domer said.

Stockard will determine if any charges need to be filed, Domer said.

Last week the shelter put out a call for volunteers to help with the cats. Domer said people have been willing to come and help care for the cats. The cats are being kept in the shelter's front education room because the shelter is relatively full.

Domer said when people have been found to be hoarding, or taking in more animals than they can properly care for, Animal Control tries to educate people on responsible pet ownership. The office also makes follow-up visits to ensure the hoarding behavior is not repeated.

As far as prevention of hoarding is concerned, he said, "We can only educate. There is no requirement for spay/neuter of pets."

He said the owner of the White Rock Road cats is cooperating with authorities.

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References

	NBC 4 - March 20, 2007
	Frederick News-Post - March 20, 2007

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