Over 50 Malnourished Cats, Dogs Found in Abandoned Hudson Valley Home

An abandoned home in Orange County has left a disturbing find for authorities. The Times Herald Record reports that a family from Minisink, who were to be evicted by an Orange County sheriff’s deputy earlier this week, left behind a house full of malnourished animals. Officials found up to 50 cats, many of which were sick and malnourished, plus dogs and birds, and even dead animals in the abandoned home's backyard.

Capt. Scott Hamill, press information officer for the Sheriff’s Department said that evicted residents had fled before eviction, leaving the animals in deplorable conditions. The was was littered with garbage and fecal matter and cat urine on the walls and floor, according to the Times Herald Record.

A police report filed by Sheriff’s Deputy Vincent Ianuzzi indicates that several cats and one dog were found dead behind a barn on the property. No charges have been filed at this time. An investigation is ongoing.

The Times Herald Record says that Ianuzzi contacted Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary in Middletown, who took in all the animals to their shelter. Pets Alive cat manager Becky Tegze said

I’ve been in a lot of hoarding situations and this is one of the worst. With black mold, feces and filth, I am surprised these animals were even alive.

The shelter is currently seeking donations. Donations can be mailed to their office at 363 Derby Road, Middletown.