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More than 100 cats seized from New Caney home

More than 100 cats were seized this week from a Montgomery County home in a case animal control officials are calling one of the worst they have ever seen.

NEW CANEY, Texas — More than 100 cats were seized this week from a Montgomery County home in a case animal control officials are calling one of the worst they have ever seen.

Montgomery County Animal Control seized 107 cats, 7 dogs and a bird last week from a home in New Caney. Officials said the owners lived on another property. They also said there are likely more animals because many of the cats are pregnant.

Feeding time at the shelter is as hectic as you can imagine. The shelter was already at over capacity when they took in the animals from the New Caney home.

“They were all individually examined and treated,” said Melia Washington, chief veterinarian with the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. “One had such a terrible urinary tract infection, he honestly nearly died. One of them has he eye issues for his life. He’s going to have to lose both of his eyes. “

Washington said images taken from inside the home only paint a picture as to how bad things were for these animals.

“The fumes associated with their waste was essentially toxic in the house so upper respiratory infections are just breaking with every cat every day,” she said.

Montgomery County Animal Control director Joseph Guidry said the owners lived on another property. He said the animals were given food and water, but that’s about it.

“Even with respirators you could only stay in there for a while before it started stinging and burning your eyes, and you had to go out and get some fresh air and then go back in,” Guidry said.

The animals' health issues ranged from skin problems and fleas to more serious conditions.

“They were all individually examined and treated,” Washington said. “One had such a terrible urinary tract infection he honestly nearly died. One of them has eye issues for his life. He’s going to have to lose both of his eyes.”

A Montgomery County judge granted the county custody of the animals but the owners have 10 days to appeal that decision.

Guidry said these types of incidents take a toll on his staff and volunteers.

“From the vet techs to the kennel technicians to the animal control officers to supervisors, it makes it a stressful situation to have that many in a shelter and that many coming in from one call,” Guidry said.

He said the shelter is trying to maintain their no-kill status. He also said they never want to euthanize an animal for space, so they ask people to consider adopting one of the many animals that are available.

For more information on how to adopt click here.

The shelter also has resources available to help pet owners who may be overwhelmed with their responsibilities.

Guidry said they are always in need of volunteers and donations to help them with the overwhelming number of animals that are cared for.

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