WINNIPEG – Provincial animal services officials have their hands full after seizing about 120 cats from a home in a Wolseley neighbourhood Thursday.
Officials received complaints from residents recently that there were too many cats but neighbours say they had no idea there were that many in the house.
But when officials arrived at 273 Evanson Street Thursday afternoon, police and the provincial vet were also shocked by what they saw.
“Conditions were dangerous for our staff,” said provincial vet, Dr. Colleen Marion, “this is the most extreme case of cat hoarding we’ve seen in Winnipeg.”
Dr. Marion believes the owner had the best intentions but said it’s likely the owner was dealing with mental issues.
The cats were living in crowded rooms in the home and in unsanitary conditions. Marion says the cats had food but not enough and many cats were not well.
Staff and police officers were seen choking and gagging after being the home, said neighbours.
There was a woman home at the time, a friend identified her as Valerie, in her 50’s, but was shocked to learn she had that many cats.
“I knew she had cats but 120, no way!,” said a man seen coming from the home Friday. He didn’t want to give his name but said he was a friend of the woman who lived there.
Police arrested and charged the woman after she supposedly threatened animal services staff when they tried removing the cats.
The cats are being treated for any illnesses and housed with the provincial vet.
Lynne Scott, the owner of Craig Street Cats a local rescue, says for years Wolseley residents have called her saying they’re cats were missing, she now wonders if they ended up in the home.
Scott hopes they’ll be returned to their rightful owners.
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