Hoarding couple found dead surrounded by 150 starving cats in their run-down Westchester home

A hoarding couple has been found dead in their ‘rundown’ New York home surrounded by 150 starving cats – with some of the sick animals found in ceilings and walls.

The pets were found all over the Westchester County home with infections, malnutrition and dehydration, while others were already dead.

The owners – who have not been named – were also found dead by police on Monday 30 January at the house on Cordial Road after a wellness visit.

The SPCA saidOfficials were unable to clean up the crime scene until our rescue team removed most of the cats found everywhere, including the walls and ceilings.

“After years of neglect, all cats […] being sick and suffering from upper respiratory infections, eye and skin infections, malnutrition, dehydration, and unfortunately some have more serious injuries that require immediate medical attention.”

The cats, mainly Abyssinian mixes, are said to be “trapped in every room of the house, including the walls and ceilings.”

Police reported that they had probably not eaten or had access to food for days.

Many were pregnant and all were sick with malnutrition and living in cramped, dirty conditions.

The cats were taken to a local charity to be cared for and eventually rehomed

The SPCA said it was the largest rescue mission in their history.

The charity has existed since 1883.

The charity is a no-kill shelter, where animals are cared for and rehomed – however long it takes.

The charity said further Twitter: “This week, we undertook our largest rescue ever.

“Our Humane Law Enforcement Unit assisted the Yorktown Heights Police Department in a gruesome scene where 150 cats were discovered living in squalor in a small, dilapidated home.”

The charity added: ‘Due to the stress of the situation, one of the cats actually gave birth while en route to the SPCA rescue centre, and many others appear to be pregnant.

“All the cats starved to death when they were rescued and probably hadn’t eaten or had access to water for days.

“Our latest rescue efforts desperately need your support. Even after all they’ve been through, the cats are incredibly sweet and just want to be loved.

“A donation at any level will support their veterinary care and rehabilitation, which we expect will cost more than $40,000.”

Rescue partners from Best Friends Animal Society, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Westchester Humane Society, Rescue Right, and Columbia Green Humane Society also volunteered to help the SPCA with this massive rescue effort.

Police found the cats in the walls and ceilings after visiting the home for a health check

Shannon Laukhuf, SPCA’s Executive Director, said: ‘This is the largest hamster case SPCA Westchester has ever undertaken, and we desperately need the community’s support to help care for these neglected and sick cats who need urgent medical attention. to have.’

The charity welcomes all financial support, as well as donations of cat food, cat litter, blankets and towels to support the rescue.

You can donate to charity here.

Reports of animals euthanized in the United States show a gradually declining trend, but it is estimated that about 25% of animals entering shelters will be euthanized.

Nine out of ten euthanized animals are adoptable.

About 1.4 million shelter animals are euthanized each year, up from 15 million in 1970.

One of the most common reasons is “economic euthanasia,” where shelters lack the resources to continue caring for animals indefinitely.

Just over a third of the animals are reportedly euthanized due to financial constraints.