Case Snapshot
Case ID: 7512
Classification: Hoarding
Animal: cat
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Monday, Nov 12, 2001

County: Newport News City

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Steven Welker
» Debra Welker

Steven and Debra Welker rented rooms at the Welcome Inn, Room 434 and Green Oaks Motel, Jefferson Avenue. There were 80 cats found at the Welcome Inn on Monday morning. An additional 30-40 cats were removed from a room at the Green Oaks Motel.

Gene Falls, director of the Peninsula Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said "This is the worst I've seen for the number of cats. These cats were living in the stove, cupboards, bathroom, in the mattress and walls."

Falls could not understand why anyone would want to live in such filth with so many cats. "The whole floor was covered in feces."

City ordinance limits the number of companion animals to four cats and dogs.

It was serving an eviction notice that brought the sheriff's deputy to the Welcome Inn for non-payment of rent. When no one answered the knock, the deputy peered through the window. The room was overrun with cats and there was also a heavy stench.

John Ryan, animal control officer responded. "The way you see the place now is the way we found it -- except there were cats all over the place."

The SPCA officers found up to another 14 cats during a return visit on Saturday. There were about 30 cats removed from a room at the Green Oaks Motel.

The Welkers have an animal cruelty pending against them.

Officials from the SPCA say the majority of the cats will be euthanized.

References

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