Columbia resident could face charges after 51 animals removed from home
A Columbia resident could face charges after 51 animals were taken from a residence Wednesday.
According to a city Animal Control spokesman, the animals were taken to the Central Missouri Humane Society, which cannot accept anymore cats.
The spokesman said animal control was notified about possible animal abuse Aug. 1. A citizen allegedly told animal control some cats inside the residence looked unhealthy.
Specialists with the city visited a residence in the 2700 block of Pine Drive a day later. Allegedly, the workers spoke with the homeowner who said only some of the pets belonged to them and the rest were family members’.
Animal control workers advised the resident to remove some animals from the property and have vaccination and city licenses for each of the pets by Aug. 19.
Investigators with the city could not find vaccination records or pet licenses for any animals at the address. Members with the city visited the residence again Monday to find even more animals at the property, the records requested were not available.
Animal control applied for and was granted a search warrant on suspicion of animal abuse and neglect, in addition to being in violation of multiple city ordinances. Wednesday, animal control along with Columbia officers and firefighters served the warrant.
Crews removed 47 cats, three dogs and two birds from the home. Animal control says the condition of the animals ranges from good to at least one pet with open wounds.
The animals were taken to the humane society. The move prompted the nonprofit to stop taking in cats until further notice.
The Humane Society is asking for people to adopt or foster the other animals in its care to make room for the impounded animals, executive director Julie Aber said. A free cat adoption event this weekend is also expected to free up some space, she said.
The nonprofit needs cat litter, newspaper and monetary donations to purchase more cat food.
CORRECTION: The address of the call has been corrected. The article has also been corrected to note which cats the Humane Society is trying to get adopted or fostered.
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