SUNRISE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police and animal rescue volunteers who went inside a Lauderhill townhome found dozens of emaciated cats living in deplorable conditions, and they said the pets had begun eating their owner’s body after she had passed away.
So far, 16 cats have been pulled out of the home. Neighbor Tammy Brzezniak, who also works with Angelico Cat Rescue, said there could still be five to 10 more cats inside the home, but it’s hard to tell because there is so much cat feces and urine inside the home.
“We’re going in the house, we’re trying to trap the cats. A lot of the cats are emaciated and are sick,” said Brzezniak.
The homeowner, Brzezniak said, was a hoarder who complained of breathing problems on April 22.
About a week later, neighbors called police after they smelled a foul stench coming from the townhome. When officers went inside, they discovered the woman dead on the couch and emaciated cats feeding off of her.
“We took 14 out of the fridge and freezer last night that were dead. We took a number off cat trees that would look like cat beds, but they were dead cats laying there,” said Brzezniak. “We’ve taken 16 live ones out. There’s more in there. I see more in there.”
Brzezniak said there is so much ammonia in the home that it was hard for her to breathe, even through she was wearing a professional mask. As a result, she said, she now has a sinus and respiratory infection.
“The house is in deplorable conditions, feces up to your ankles, urine, unlivable,” said Brzezniak. “She was living without electricity for probably a month, and probably passed from asphyxiation.”
Brzezniak said there could be five to 10 more cats still inside.
“The goal is to get everybody out in the next couple of days,” she said. “They are starving, they are hungry, so now we’re setting traps.”
The cats that have been rescued were taken to Welleby Veterinary Hospital in Sunrise, where they are undergoing blood tests to determine whether they are suffering from any feline diseases.
“They all may have a little bit of an upper respiratory infection,” said Dr. Andrea Zimandy, the vet treating the cats, “but it does appear that their body conditions are relatively normal. Most of them do have fleas, ear infections, some dental issues.”
However, Zimandy said the surviving cats will likely make a full recovery. “Right now, the ones that I’ve examined, they look like, with some proper care, they would be able to bounce back.”
However, Zimandy said, depending on the results of their blood tests, some of the felines may have to be euthanized.
Expenses from the cats’ medical care are expected to be high. If you would like to help, click here for more information.
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