By Jim Woods, The Columbus Dispatch
COLUMBUS – Columbus Humane, with assistance from Gahanna police, found 55 dead cats at an Olde Ridenour Road house where they also removed 111 live cats Wednesday morning.
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Authorities surrounded the house in the 3600 block of Olde Ridenour Road around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Workers from Columbus Humane, handles law enforcement complaints involving animal cruelty and neglect, had to wear protective gear and masks.
“The cats were found in deplorable condition,” said Kerry Shaw, a spokeswoman for Columbus Humane. “We are pursuing multiple charges.”
But so far, no charges have been filed against the owner of all the cats. A hearing has been set for Dec. 20 in Franklin County Environmental Court to review the situation, Shaw said.
Columbus Humane, which is located on Scioto Darby Road, was so overwhelmed with the cats from Gahanna that they had to shutdown operations Wednesday, Shaw said.
Veterinarians were examining the 111 cats to gather evidence and to determine their future, Shaw said.