DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities in DeKalb County said they seized dozens of cats after three hoarding cases in three days.
The first case was on Jan. 20 when DeKalb Animal Services collected 13 cats from a woman, who they said was hoarding. On the same day, authorities found 10 cats abandoned at an apartment.
On Jan. 23, animal services said it found 56 cats in a single apartment.
Investigators said when the cats were initially discovered they were covered in urine. The smell was so strong case workers compared it to ammonia.
TRENDING STORIES:
"They started opening closets, faces appeared, (When they) turned over mattresses, 20 cats popped out," said Karen Hirsch with Lifeline Animal Project. "(They) had injuries to their paws, and to their limbs."
The person hoarding the 56 cats was cited. Investigators can’t find the accused hoarders in the other two cases.
When Channel 2's Sophia Choi visited the shelter on Monday, she found cats suffering from infections, some so scared they hid under blankets. The shelter said it could take months for many of them to recover.
"Some of them have respiratory infections, and upper respiratory infections," Hirsch said.
Those who work at the shelter said they're just glad these cats are getting the attention they need. Visit Lifeline's website for information on how you can help.