Columbus Humane rescues 61 cats from Upper Arlington home
Many of the animals are showing signs of sickness
Columbus Humane seized 61 cats Tuesday from an Upper Arlington home, and is temporarily limiting intakes at its Northwest Side shelter to prioritize caring for the sick animals.
In a statement, Columbus Humane CEO Rachel Finney said “an overwhelming accumulation of feces and infectious diseases made this home particularly cruel for cats.”
Many of the cats are showing signs of illness related to “intense overcrowding,” the statement said.
Columbus Humane did not provide the name of the person accused of hoarding the cats, as criminal charges for cruelty to animals are still pending, spokeswoman Brittany Williams said.
A probable cause hearing is set for April 21 in Franklin County Municipal Court, she said.
“It’s hard to believe anyone was living in the conditions we found inside the home and quality of life for both the animals and people was clearly compromised,” Chief Humane Agent Kerry Manion said in a statement. “The right choice was to intervene.”
The home at 2611 Wickliffe St. where the cats were seized is owned by 67year-old Kathy M. Morland, according to Franklin County Auditor’s office and other records. Morland could not be reached Tuesday night by The Dispatch.
The five-room home, built in 1955, and the .43-acre of property has a total appraised value of $411,400, and a taxable value of $143,990, according to the auditor’s office website.
If a judge awards custody of the cats to Columbus Humane, it’s possible some could be eventually put up for adoption after they’re treated and healthy.
“I’m grateful that we can provide the care these cats need and deserve,” Finney’s statement said. “We have a lot of work to do.”
Columbus Humane is currently only open for adoptions by appointments only because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more, go to columbushumane.org or call 614-7777387. awidmanneese@dispatch.com @Alissawidman