Breeder charged after dozens of cats seized from West Hillhurst home

Peace Officers under the Animal Protection Act removed 89 Maine Coon cats from the home.

Humane Society officers seized 89 Maine Coon Cats from a northwest home in April and have now charged a Calgary breeder with allowing the animals to be in distress.

Peace officers were called out for reports of an animal hoarding situation at a home in the West Hillhurst area on April 17, 2016.

An inspection was conducted and officers determined that all of the animals needed to be removed because of environmental and medical concerns.

“It is uncommon to see such a volume of animals in a residential setting, even in a cattery. Over and above the environmental conditions, many of these cats were suffering from serious communicable disease. It is important that fanciers of any species know their limits concerning space, time and finances. Potential legal consequences aside, there have already been serious, irreversible consequences to the cats and the home,” said Brad Nichols, Senior Manager, Animal Cruelty Investigations.

On Monday, Ruth Sogz, 57, of Calgary, was charged with permitting animals to be in distress, contrary to the Animal Protection Act of Alberta.