More than 80 cats and several dogs were found stacked inside cages inside a New Jersey home in what officials called one of the worst animal cruelty cases they've seen.
A neighbor contacted town officials in West New York to report a foul odor coming from a nearby apartment, and responding animal control officers found "horrific, deplorable" conditions inside, according to West New York Commissioner Susan Colacurcio.
Eighty-one cats were in cages from floor to ceiling covering an entire 12-foot wall, according to Director of Health Dr. Gina Miranda-Diaz. Ten dogs were found hiding in closets, "emaciated and filthy."
"That bedroom was a house of horrors," said town humane officer Geoffrey Santini, who called the case the worst he's seen in his over 20 years on the job.
Officials said two people have been arrested and a third suspect in being sought. They're facing 86 counts of animal cruelty.
Authorities say the three appeared to be taking money to supposedly adopt and care for unwanted cats and dogs.
Miranda-Diaz said it's not clear how many of the animals can be saved. Many were sick and malnourished.
