50 Cats, 2 Dogs Rescued From Hoarders' Home Day Before Planned Shooting: Group

An animal advocacy group rescued two dogs and 50 cats, many of which were sick, from an upstate hoarders' home after authorities discovered the miserable creatures -- and a freshly dug grave to apparently hold the dogs' bodies -- while serving the longtime tenants eviction papers. 

A deputy sheriff from the Orange County Sheriff's Department called a local animal control officer after finding the animals Monday at the home in Minisink, but the animal control officer did not assist, according to Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary, which ultimately stepped in to help the animals.

Three Pets Alive employees responded and immediately started to remove sick cats and kittens from the home, which video showed was strewn with filth, empty cartons of animal food and garbage. Twenty-six cats and kittens were rescued Monday night, and another 20 were saved Tuesday.

Many of the animals have upper respiratory infections and eye ulcers; all of them are infested with fleas and are anemic and many of them have rotten teeth due to malnutrition, the group said. One of the cats has since birthed four kittens, which are doing well, the organization said.

According to Pets Alive, employees were disturbed by a grave dug in preparation for the dogs. The group says it's not clear who dug the hole, but a neighbor informed the organization's staff that the dogs were to be shot and buried on Tuesday morning; they were rescued just in time.

“I’ve been in a lot of hoarding situations and this is one of the worst. With black mold, feces and filth," said cat manager Becky Tegze. "I am surprised these animals were even alive."

The identities of the tenants weren't immediately available and it wasn't clear if they were expected to face charges.

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