Animal control officers have discovered dozens of cats living in unhealthy conditions in Casco.
A concerned neighbor called animal control to 23 Burgess Road in Casco last week. When they arrived, they found dozens of cats inside.
Animal control has removed 24 so far, but there is an unknown number of cats still inside the house.
"Those that have gone to the veterinary clinics have been surprisingly healthy. We're just waiting for some tests to come back to make sure they don't have any communicable diseases," said Casco Town Manager Dave Morton.
Some animals, however, didn't make it out. Animal control found several dead cats in the house. The survivors are going to several local shelters. The Humane Society is trying to find places for the cats that still haven't been removed.
Morton says the homeowners are cooperating. They've agreed to help pay the costs for housing and caring for the cats.
Joan McBurnie with Harvest Hills Animal Shelter says the cooperating is a good sign, but animal hoarding cases like these are still a burden on shelters that are already at capacity.
"There's only so much that one shelter can burden. So it's a community effort. This is a real issue, and I know everyone likes those television shows that they can see hoarding, well hoarding's in your backyard. It's right here and we're doing the best we can," McBurnie said.
There's no charges against the homeowners, and Morton says as long as they continue to cooperate, there shouldn't be any civil action from the town of Casco. Maine's state veterinarian came to the home to help with the initial removal.
If the Humane Society can't find space for the remaining cats, they're looking at setting up an emergency shelter.
Related Stories
- More Local News
- National News
- International News
- Veto of subsidy study upheld by Maine House
- NH House rejects legalizing casino
- New warden hired at Maine State Prison
- Maine home sales jump 14 percent in April
- LePage to veto Maine hospital repayment bill
- Bill to tax political action committees killed
- Maine man appears in court in missing teen's death
- Rule on lobbying for ex-Maine lawmakers enacted
- Maine lawmakers refuse to repeal health care law
- Maine highway study law repeal voted
Pump Patrol Gas Card Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win a $100 Irving Oil Gift card!
No Text Zone
Help make our roads safe and you could win prizes!
WGME Top Stories
Business News
Bernanke signals Fed to maintain stimulus efforts
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Chairman Ben Bernanke is telling Congress that the U.S. job market remains weak and that it is too soon for the Federal Reserve to end its extraordinary stimulus programs.
Consumer Info
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
"DANCING WITH THE STARS" - KELLIE PICKLER WINS
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Kellie Pickler didn't win on "American Idol."
Get This
DOG BEACH WEAR
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- From bikinis to Hawaiian shirts -- it's time to gear up for the beach.
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: TEENS MOVING TO TWITTER TO DODGE PARENTS, OTHER BORES
WASHINGTON (AP) -- If you're one of those parents who are on Facebook in part to keep an eye on what your kids are up to -- here's a news flash: your kids are on to you and have moved to Twitter.

