Animal Control Removes 60+ Neglected Cats from a Wales Home

For the second time, animal control officers went to a residence in Wales to remove dozens of neglected cats.

The first seizure happened in 2019 when 83 cats and kittens were taken from the home on Ridge Road in Wales. Most of the issues, in that instance, were health-related like eye infections and respiratory issues. There were also guinea hens and chickens taken in that seizure. When the issue went to court, the judge ruled that the animals' care didn't violate any permissible standards of care and most of the animals were returned to the woman that lives in the house.

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This week, animal control officers were back at the same residence on another animal welfare complaint. A worker with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services had reported a large number of cats that were living, according to WGME-TV, in horrific conditions. An investigation determined that the animals had to be removed from the residence and given proper care. Once the seizure was completed, more than 60 living cats were removed from the home, as well as more than 30 who were deceased. There's no word, at this point, about whether the owner will face charges.

All the cats have been distributed to local shelters, where they will get the medical care they need. It will be some time before the animals will be available for adoption if, indeed, they are able to be rehomed. People who want to help should consider donating to Androscoggin County-area shelters to help them care for the animals.