EVERETT – Nine cats were found dead and dozens of others were found living in deplorable conditions at a home on Friday.
Authorities on Friday night seized 40 cats and kittens and eight finches from a home in the 11700 block of Center Road, Snohomish County Animal Control spokeswoman Vicki Lubrin said.
A medical emergency led sheriff’s deputies and paramedics to the house late Friday afternoon.
Two dead kittens and one dead adult cat were found at the home, their bodies lying among piles of trash and debris, Lubrin said. Six other dead kittens were found wrapped in paper towels inside the oven.
Inside the home, animal control officers found feces and urine on the walls, she said. Officers had to use ventilators and protective suits to go in.
“The odor was so overpowering it could be detected well outside the residence,” Lubrin said. “Even the most experienced officers on site were astounded by the filthy conditions in which the cats were living.”
More cats were found roaming around the front yard.
Most of the rescued animals were thin, hungry and covered with fleas. Seven animals were so sick they had to be euthanized, Lubrin said.
The case will be forwarded to Snohomish County prosecutor’s office for review. No arrests have been made as of today.
The rescued cats, kittens and birds are currently being cared for at the Everett Animal Shelter. No animals had to be euthanized to make room for them, Lubrin said.
Anyone wishing to make a donation or adopt a pet can visit the Everett Animal Shelter at 333 Smith Island Road. The shelter accepts items including cat food, pelleted litter, liquid laundry soap and bleach and new, plastic litter boxes.
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