Cats and dogs in dire health conditions were rescued by local authorities from a house in the city of Diamond Bar in Los Angeles County, California, on Tuesday, March 1.
In a case of animal hoarding, more than 80 animals, including cats and dogs, were found inside the home of a lone woman in her 70s.
Dozens of Animals Found
According to the Los Angeles Times, members of the Inland Valley Human Society (IVHS) and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) along with the police and fire brigade rescued the animals in Diamond Bar after receiving a call from a neighbor and reported the situation inside the home.
Based on the initial report of the neighbor, a house located at 1100 block along Flintlock Road is sheltering more than 80 animals that are experiencing distressing living conditions.
The IVHS and SPCA investigated the report and considered the incident to be a case of animal hoarding.
Read More: Over 300 Small Animals Rescued From Being Hoarded in Nashville
Rescue Operation
In a Facebook video posted by the IVHS and SPCA, an emergency rescue unit went to the said house, characterized as an old one and had a foul odor.
The unit retrieved the animals, mostly kittens, who were placed inside cages and sent to IVHS' facility in the city of Pomona, California, for treatment.
Additionally, health authorities found multiple dead cats at the house.
In the IVHS and SPCA Facebook video, it can be seen that one of the health officials was carrying an animal skull; which seem to belong to a kitten.
The animals are being kept at the facility indefinitely.
Local law enforcement said the house owner exceeded the allowed maximum number of pets inside the house, as per the investigation.
The neighbor reportedly told KTLA-TV Channel 5 the woman was around 70 years old and was living without electricity and water supply for around five years.
Local authorities sealed off the house and placed signs outside its premises to warn of hazardous materials.
Furthermore, there were no immediate reports on whether a criminal or civil charge was filed against the elderly woman, who was sent to the hospital for treatment due to an unspecified health condition, according to IVHS officials.
Animal Hoarding
According to the local US animal rights organization American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 250,000 animals becomes a victim of animal hoarding in the United States each year.
The organization considers animal hoarding as a complex issue that violates animal welfare, mental health, and public safety since the action weighs the number of pets and the owner's capability that would determine a conducive living situation for the animals.
On the other hand, the ASPCA defines animal hoarding as owning a certain number of animals or pets beyond one's capability to provide the necessary care, including food, water, hygiene, and adequate space.
Animal hoarding often leads to either animal starvation, degradation of health, or even death.
Related article: Cats Locked Inside a House Forced to Eat Each Other to Survive
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