Officials in Hazmat Suits Seize 70 Ailing Cats

Officers in Hazmat gear removed more than 70 cats from a Dunwoody residence in deplorable condition, marking the second time the homeowners have been cited for animal hoarding.

Dunwoody Police posted on the department’s Facebook page that workers wore respirators to aid breathing as they executed a search warrant and removed the cats.

The DeKalb Animal Cruelty Unit had the homeowners arrested in 2012 for having more than 50 cats in unhealthy conditions. They pleaded guilty, were ordered to seek psychological help and agreed not to own or care for pets in the future.

The most recent investigation began when a local veterinarian told authorities the hoarders sought treatment for more than 20 cats with numerous ailments. When officials arrived at the house they found more than 70 cats inside.

“The living conditions are difficult to describe,” police said on Facebook.

“I’m so glad to see the cats rescued,” wrote next-door neighbor Allison Klusmann on the department’s Facebook page. “I had no idea they had so many. All windows are always shut in the back. They definitely need psychiatric help, and it’s not just for animal hoarding. … They do love animals and are very nice people.”

The residents face a new round of animal cruelty and neglect charges. And, the suspects will again be ordered to seek professional help, police say.

Staffers and volunteers from the Good Mews Animal Foundation in Marietta helped remove the cats and are caring for them until they can be adopted.

“We ask that our Dunwoody animal lovers contact them for adoption and give them your support,” the police said.