Cats Rescued From N. Philly Hoarder: SPCA

Dozens of cats -- some living, some dead -- found inside a filthy rented room

A dozen living cats and more than a dozen dead cats were found in a small rented room inside a North Philly boarding house Friday afternoon.

The landlord alerted officials after he allegedly smelled a strong order coming from a small room rented to a man in his 30s who hadn't paid his rent in more than a month, according to the landlord.

Animal officers responded to the 1500 Block of N 12th Street.

Once Pennsylvania SPCA officers were let inside, they found 12 cats living in filth and 17 other cats dead -- many of the deceased animals were kept inside the freezer portion of refrigerator, according to the SPCA.

"This is definitely one of the more bizarre cases we've seen," said George Bengal, Director of Humane Law Enforcement for the Pennsylvania SPCA. "The small room and conditions these cats were living in was unbelievable."

The man's beliefs could have played a role in preventing him from getting the pets spayed or neutered, according to neighbor Mary Irvin.

The felines were in poor physical shape -- many had flea conditions -- and were taken to the SPCA to be evaluated and treated, officials said.

The alleged hoarder wasn’t around when the raid happened and was being evicted, according to officials.

Multiple animal cruelty charges are pending, said the SPCA.


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