11/11/2009 2:57 p.m.
115 purebred cats and two dogs living in filthy conditions are uncovered by animal welfare officers in a Montgomery County home.



The Pet Adoption and Lifecare Society removed the animals from a home on Berkley Road in West Norriton Township Wednesday in what investigators call a "hoarder situation." They are now working to nurse them back to health.

The cat breeds include Siamese, Persian, Ragdoll, Balinese, Himalayan and Maine Coon.

The homeowner, Jean Coady, allegedly told officials she collected the animals because they were slated to be put to sleep but she just couldn't afford to feed them.

Animal officers say the pets were found in poor health, many emaciated with severe skin and coat problems, fleas, internal parasites, and ear mites.

Three of the felines may not survive, Fox 29 has learned.

Coady would go into local shelters to adopt them and even went as far to buy the pedigreed animals on Craigslist, said authorities.

"They're cats everywhere. They're cats all over the sofa, on top of the refrigerator, on the counters, on the stove, on the kitchen table, on the floor," said Pat Maloney of PALS. "What was notable was that for all of these cats, there were only a few litter pans and there was no food. We had 115 starved cats alive with fleas, lots of hair loss, lots of skin problems, ear mites and starved."

"I don't have any sympathy because these are highly adoptable animals, they're mostly pedigreed animals," continued Maloney. "They would've been easy to adopt out, she could've reached out to any of the humane societies or other rescues for help."

Coady faces various counts of animal cruelty.

Anyone interested in supporting or adopting these cats are urged to call PALS at 610-299-1860.

Check out our website if you or someone you know may be hoarding animals or possessions.

Labels: animal decontamination, animal hoarding, Audubon PA, cathouse, hoarding