An animal cruelty investigator says it's the most cats she's ever seen in a hoarding case.
On Saturday, the lead investigator updated the number of animals found underweight, dehydrated and living in up to an inch of feces. Some of the cats were dead. The numbers are more staggering than first thought.
The cats were found inside a garage on Friday.
Officer Paige Orchard of Aurora Animal Control now says there were 102 cats total, 87 of which have survived so far and are being treated at the Aurora Animal Shelter. Fifteen of the cats have died.
The investigation is now focused on tracking down the cats' owner.
Due to the great influx of cats, the Aurora Animal Shelter's cat facility is so full it cannot accept any more animals.
"Our resources are stretched to the max," said Orchard. "They (the cats) are very stressed. They are in a pretty extreme situation of being dehydrated."
The shelter is now asking for donations of kitty litter, wet kitten food � because it has more nutrients to help the cats recover � and cat boxes.
All the cats were locked in the two-car garage where it was about 100 degrees inside. It even surprised an investigator with 18 years experience.
"Just the sheer number of animals involved was a little bit overwhelming," said Orchard, "not only in the field but as we were bringing them in."
Aurora Fire brought in masks because the conditions were so appalling and the stench was so strong.
"There is probably an inch of feces in there," said neighbor Kevin Dickes.
Inside investigators say they found 102 cats of all ages, inbred with one another. Six were already dead. Eight others were so sick they had to be euthanized. One cat died after being rescued.
"It's horrifying really," said Dickes.
The homeowner left a note with neighbors saying she was on a trip.
"We just sit in our house in the evening and just smell the cat smell," said Dickes.
Finally Dickes called police. Investigators say that call saved a lot of cats.
"With the heat we are expecting this weekend it would have just been a thousand times worse undoubtedly for those poor animals," said Orchard.
The hope is the cats will one day be well enough to find new homes.
Investigators have not been able to reach the homeowner, Shirley Bowman. A neighbor told 9NEWS on Friday that Bowman was vacationing in Maine. She could face animal cruelty charges. Case UpdatesA woman facing dozens of charges related to animal cruelty entered not guilty pleas to all counts on Friday.
Prosecutors say Shirley Bowman has moved to Maine and had her attorney appear in court for her.
Last month, Aurora Animal Control workers confiscated 94 cats from her home in the 3100 block of South Helena Street while she was out of town.
Many of the cats were dead or dying and have since been euthanized.
Bowman has agreed to surrender custody of the remaining cats to the city.
The city says it allows them to treat the cats and do what they deem appropriate with them. If necessary, they could put them up for adoption when they are healthy.
Workers at the shelter where the cats are being cared for say the animals are wild and very skittish around people.
Plea negotiations between Bowman and prosecutors are scheduled to take place in 45 days. | Source: 9News - July 6, 2007
Update posted on Jul 10, 2007 - 6:37AM |
The owner of the home where more than 100 cats were found Friday has returned home. The fire department says neighbors told authorities Shirley Bowman had come home.
The fire department says for health reasons, Bowman cannot stay in her home at night. She is currently staying at a hotel.
Officer Paige Orchard of Aurora Animal Control says 102 cats were found inside Bowman's two-car garage at 3183 S. Helena St. Friday. Eighty-seven are being treated at the Aurora Animal Shelter. Fifteen of the cats have died.
No new cats were found Sunday.
"Just the sheer number of animals involved was a little bit overwhelming," said Orchard, "not only in the field but as we were bringing them in."
Aurora Fire brought in masks because the conditions were so appalling and the stench was so strong.
"There is probably an inch of feces in there," said neighbor Kevin Dickes. "It's horrifying, really."
Bowman could face animal cruelty charges. | Source: 9 News - June 24, 2007
Update posted on Jun 24, 2007 - 8:21PM |
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