Animal inspectors made a grim discovery of 130 dead cats left in freezers are part of an investigation.
They also found 120 emaciated but alive cats and three small dogs left alone in ‘filthy and unsafe conditions’ in a trailer.
Most of the cats were hiding in kitchen cupboards, under the fridge and under furniture in the sparsely decorated trailer, where no water had been left for them.
There was some dry food left on the floor, but it had been contaminated with faeces and urine.
The pets were found in Fort St James in British Columbia, Canada, by a local animal charity.
The BC SPCA said the animals were in a very bad way, with many of them suffering from upper respiratory infections, extreme flea infestations, urine scald, eye infections, dental issues, ear mites and wounds.
Eileen Drever, senior officer for protection, said: ‘The entryway and hallway to the bedrooms were covered in layers of feces and the entire trailer was very hot and filled with an overwhelming ammonia smell due to the build-up of urine.
‘The faeces and urine were so thick that boot covers were pulled off within a couple of steps due to the stickiness.
‘Many of the cats appeared very hungry and came up to our officer upon initial entry and immediately began eating the food that was offered.’
She notes that many of the cats were having difficulty breathing.
The three Chihuahuas who were seized are being treated for dental disease, hair loss and grooming issues.
Inspectors found the dead cats in freezers when they checked another trailer where the people living there had resided, in Vanderhoof.
Ms Drever said: ‘Any time we are dealing with situations of animal hoarding it is devastating for both the animals and the people.
‘We are just so glad that we were called in in time to rescue the remaining animals.’
The seized cats and dogs are being cared for at SPCA shelters and will continue to receive veterinary treatment.
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