- Investigators found more than a dozen living and deceased cats at a home in Lansing's south side
- The discovery came after officials received a complaint of cats living in unsanitary conditions
Ingham County investigators say they removed more than a dozen living and deceased cats from a residence in Lansing's south side.
Ingham County Animal Control Officers say they executed a search warrant Friday morning at a residence on the 300 block of West Denver Avenue after receiving a complaint of cats living in unsanitary conditions.
"We wouldn't have known this situation if the complainant hadn't reached out to us," said Hannah Page, the community outreach manager for the county animal shelter. "It hurts everyone.
Officers say they removed 15 deceased cats and six living cats from the residence and transported them to the Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter.
"Unfortunately we're not sure what caused the deaths of the deceased cats," said Page. "They were in various states of decomposition."
The six cats that survived are undergoing medical evaluations to determine the care they may need.
"The large amount of animals in this case, it's a really uncommon situation," said Page.
ICACO says it will submit a report to the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office to request criminal charges.
"There's good days working at a shelter and there's hard days. Today was one of those hard days," said Page. "Pets, just like kids, they're so innocent."
Investigators say anyone who sees or suspects animal cruelty should report it by calling 517-676-8310, emailing reportanimalcruelty@ingham.org, or by submitting a complaint on ICACO's website.
To contact the animal shelter, call 515-676-8370.
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