CONCORD TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The Lake Humane Society removed 161 living cats and nearly 50 dead cats from a Concord Township pet sanctuary that has had legal troubles in the past.
The Humane Society used a search warrant on Friday at Caroline’s Kids Pet Rescue & Sanctuary at the corner of Morley and Hoose roads, according to a news release from the Humane Society. Officials said they were responding to a complaint from a resident who was concerned about the conditions in the shelter.
An agent with the Humane Society and a veterinarian reportedly found unsanitary conditions in the pet sanctuary, saying most of the cats were in critical condition. Forty-nine dead cats were removed from the house and 161 were taken to the Humane Society for treatment for medical conditions such as upper respiratory infections, panleukopenia, stomatitis, flea infestation and ringworm.
Painesville Municipal Court has ordered that the cats be surrendered to the Humane Society, the news release says. An investigation is under way and criminal charges are possible.
In November 2016, the Humane Society seized 157 cats from the sanctuary after they were found to be in poor medical condition. Four employees were convicted on 24 counts animal cruelty in the case. They received suspended jail sentences and were placed on probation.
The pet sanctuary had hired a new director, according to The News-Herald.
———
©2020 The Plain Dealer, Cleveland
Visit The Plain Dealer, Cleveland at www.cleveland.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.