Hoarding 88 cats and dogs Gilbert, AZ (US) Incident Date: Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 County: Maricopa Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: Ronald Nichols

Case ID: 1702 Classification: Hoarding Animal: cat, dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in AZ (US) Login to Watch this Case

88 cats and dogs were rescued from a Gilbert home Thursday, six months after Maricopa County Animal Care & Control discovered filthy conditions there. One animal was found dead during the bust.

Police said they are citing owner Ronald Nichols, 65, with at least 83 counts of animal cruelty.

"The majority of them had severe ear mites," Zaragoza said. "They're not bad cats, they're just scared. We've got some real sweeties."

Feces, cockroaches and a foul odor abounded at the house and a backyard shed in the 200 block of South Lindsay Road, said Julie Bank, Animal Care spokeswoman. The animals suffered from malnutrition, heat exhaustion, genetic disorders, ear infections and bad teeth.

Nichols threatened suicide when police and Animal Care showed up at his door Thursday to take away the animals.

Police called in a social worker because of Nichols' mental state. After 90 minutes, he was taken to a hospital for observation and released.

Nichols, who said he is a retired Methodist minister, said he has been breeding cats and dogs for years and shows them in competitions. He said he has won awards for best cat and best toy poodle in America.

Nichols said he did not realize his animals were sick.

"I feed them the best of foods and give them vitamins and minerals every day," said Nichols, who lives alone. "I tried to even do extra things most people don't even do. . . . They've been my life."

A poodle named Bonaparte is particularly special to Nichols, who has been nursing the dog to health since it fell off a grooming table and broke its jaw. Nichols said he is negotiating with police to get back the dog and two others that belonged to his recently deceased mother.

Health problems have plagued Nichols in recent years, which he admitted has made it more difficult to care for his pets.

It's a case of breeding gone amok, said Ed Boks, Animal Care executive director.

"He got in over his head and wasn't able to take care of them," Boks said.

Animal Care checked the home in February when Nichols applied for a kennel permit. The permit was denied because of the conditions but he was given a chance to clean up, Boks said. After learning that the house was still dirty this month, Animal Care teamed with police to remove the pets.

The animals, mostly Persians, miniature poodles and Shih Tzus, won't be up for adoption until the case is closed or Nichols signs them over.

Animal Care is keeping a list of people interested in adopting the animals. It is also encouraging people to adopt other animals at the Mesa facility to free up kennel space for the new arrivals.

For adoption information, call (602) 506-PETS.

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