FLORENCE – Pinal County Animal Care & Control today seized a number of animals at a Gold Canyon, Arizona home.  The animals were held in filthy conditions and several of the animals are barely clinging to life.  Thus far, 49 cats, a hen with a broken leg, three birds and three dogs have been removed from the home.  Some of the cats are believed to be feral.

A woman had been renting the modest home for a few years.  She had been living without air conditioning for an unknown period of time.  An air conditioning repair technician was called to the home and discovered the deplorable conditions.  The technician notified the property owner who promptly called Animal Care & Control. 

Members of the Apache Junction Fire Department assisted Pinal County Animal Control Officers with filtered masks to enable them to capture the animals in the home.  The home contained layers of pet urine and fecal matter in multiple rooms.

Several of the cats were in distress.  It is unknown if the distress was caused by heat exhaustion, illness or disease.

The hen and feral cats were held in a pen outside the home.  Also in the pen were the skeletal remains of two dead cats.

Due to the ongoing investigation, the woman’s name and location of the home are not being disclosed at this time.

Pending the outcome of the investigation, the woman responsible for the animals could face cruelty and neglect charges. 
 
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