40 cats rescued from hoarding situation in Virginia home 'covered with feces and urine'

STERLING, Va. (WJLA) — At least 40 cats were rescued from a "hazardous hoarding situation" at a Virginia home, according to theLoudoun County Animal Services (LCAS).

LCAS officials said they took 40 cats into their care following a pet hoarding investigation that revealed unsafe living conditions for animals and people.

The investigation began on Aug. 1 when a community member contacted LCAS for a welfare check on the home.

Officials said when LCAS Humane Law Enforcement Officers (HLEO) arrived, they found multiple cats inside and outside of the home and discovered that "the cats were being kept in a manner that was a direct threat to their life, health and safety."

LCAS said they were also concerned when "Ammonia readings in the home were significantly elevated beyond safe levels for prolonged exposure for both humans and animals."

Officials also said the home was covered with feces and urine and conditions in the homes were consistent with severe hoarding.

On Aug. 9, officials held a civil hearing for the cats’ previous owner -- the court ordered an indefinite ban on pet ownership and restitution to cover LCAS’ cost in the amount of $7,141.

As for the animals, they are receiving veterinary care and will be available for adoption as they are cleared medically. Anyone interested in adopting the animals is asked to view the available animals on the LCAS website here.

"The large intake of animals comes at a challenging time for the county’s only public animal shelter, LCAS officials said. "Owner surrenders of cats have increased by 36% over the previous year, which required LCAS to set up additional emergency housing throughout the facility to accommodate the newly arrived cats from this case."

The animal service is also asking for donations of canned cat food, unscented cat litter and squeeze-up cat treats, such as the “Churu” type treats, to help care for the cats.