Over 100 Cats Living in Unsanitary Conditions Removed from Self-Described Animal Rescue in Pennsylvania

LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. - At the request of the Humane Society of Lackawanna County and with support from local law enforcement, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) is assisting with the removal of over 100 cats from a self-described animal rescue organization in Lackawanna County, Pa. The cats were removed from a residential property after they were found living in unsanitary conditions among their own feces and urine. Many of the cats appeared to be suffering from untreated medical conditions.

"The ASPCA is grateful to be in a position where we have the expertise and resources to assist local law enforcement and animal welfare agencies with the rescue of at-risk animals from situations of suspected cruelty," said Teresa Ladner, senior director of investigations for the ASPCA. "As a result of close collaboration across the ASPCA and our partners, these cats will receive the care they deserve, and we thank the Humane Society of Lackawanna County for pursuing this case."

Most of the cats removed from the property are being transported to the ASPCA's Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC) in Columbus, Ohio, a facility dedicated to providing temporary sheltering, medical care, and behavioral treatment and enrichment to animals rescued from emergency situations such as suspected cruelty. The ASPCA is also assisting with operational planning, evidence collection, crime scene processing, and investigative and legal assistance in this case, including conducting veterinary forensic exams on the cats.

Animal cruelty charges are pending based on evidence collected by the Humane Society of Lackawanna County with the assistance of ASPCA legal and investigative experts supporting the case.

The ASPCA deploys nationally to assist local authorities in animal cruelty cases including animal fighting, hoarding, and puppy mills. It also provides local communities with resources including grant funding, training, and subject matter expertise to effectively assist animals during cruelty and disaster situations.