15 Cats Found Dead Inside Home That Was Raided After Tip About Animals ‘Living in Unsanitary Conditions’

Mar. 15, 2025

Cats (stock image).Photo:Getty

Getty

Someone could face criminal charges after 15 cats were found dead inside a Michigan home.

The Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter shared in aFacebook poston Friday, Jan. 24, that its officers executed a search warrant at a home in Lansing after receiving a complaint of “cats living in unsanitary conditions.”

In addition to officers finding the 15 dead cats, six other cats were discovered alive in the home. All the animals were removed from the home and taken to the Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter.

The organization noted that the half a dozen cats that were found still alive were “undergoing medical evaluations” and would “receive necessary medical care.” It did not say what kind of conditions the cats were found living in or what kind of ailments the cats found alive may have had.

According toMichigan law, killing or torturing animals in the first degree is considered “a felony” and could lead to jail time of 10 years or less, a fine of $5,000 and community service.

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The incident comes as shelters and pet hospitals in Michigan, including Woodhaven Animal Hospital and Romulus Animal Shelter, reported seeing a rise in animal abuse cases.

Romulus Animal Control Officer Rachel Ohneck also noted to the outlet that she has seen an uptick of animals being brought in for “malnourishment” since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A lot of people haven’t come and claimed their dogs even when they’re microchipped,” she said. “Financially, I don’t think people can afford their animals anymore.”

“I think a lot of people got new pets because of COVID-19 and feeling like they had time and then with the economy and everything and just the expense,” she continued. “The reality of having these animals kind of set in and then people realized you know what, maybe this isn’t a good idea.”

source: people.com