Nearly 100 cats have been euthanized after being removed from a west Edmonton home where authorities say the animals were living in their own urine and feces.
The Edmonton Humane Society confirmed to CTV News on Friday that 96 cats had to be put down after being removed from a home near 102 Avenue and 146 Street.
“The cats have unfortunately been in just horrible conditions mainly because of the quality of air in the home and because of the spread of disease from one to another,” said Shawna Randolph, director of the Edmonton Humane Society.
Authorities began removing the cats from the home two weeks ago, acting on a tip from a neighbour.
“Our officers have been there daily, removing as many as possible,” Randolph told CTV Edmonton on Friday.
At last count, 100 cats were removed from the home. All but four of them were euthanized.
Humane Society officials estimate there are between 10 and 15 left in the home, some who could be living in hard-to-reach places -- such as inside walls.
“It’s a hazardous area because of the conditions inside the home. It has been very difficult for our team members to go in and spend a lot of time in the home. It’s just unhealthy for them to breathe in,” said Randolph.
Neighbour Randy Hogle told CTV Edmonton that the home’s owner died earlier this week, leaving the remaining cats unattended and prompting concern in the neighbourhood.
However, the Humane Society says animal control officers have been visiting the home on a daily basis with food and water for the remaining cats.
Randolph said the surviving cats are now in the Edmonton Humane Society’s custody. One of the animals is already up for adoption.
With a report from CTV Edmonton’s Veronica Jubinville
