A mass rescue in Steuben County has left an Indiana animal shelter caring for 42 pets taken from a home with extreme conditions, in a case described as “one of the worst hoarding cases its director has encountered.”
For the Community Humane Shelter of Steuben County, the rescue has become both an emergency response and a major strain on local resources.
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The shelter says it has removed 42 animals — 16 dogs and 26 cats — after a report about the property prompted staff to respond, according to WOWO, which cited WANE-15. Officials believe more cats may still be at the location.
Rescuers found animal waste spread throughout the residence, said Faith Robinson, director of the Community Humane Shelter of Steuben County, including crates containing inches of feces. She said the odor inside was overpowering and that workers had to use special health precautions during the rescue.
While the animals were not considered severely malnourished, WOWO reported, many are being treated for serious health problems, including severe flea infestations, worms, parasites, and ear mites…