35 cats rescued from DC apartment hoarding conditions

WASHINGTON - Dozens of cats were rescued after they were found in hoarding conditions in a Northeast D.C. apartment.

Officials said most of the 35 cats were taken to the Humane Rescue Alliance's New York Avenue shelter where they were being treated for a range of medical issues.

Investigators said all the cats were adults and issues ranged from flea infestations to infected bite wounds. Many of the cats were also malnourished.

Animal control received a call about a large number of cats at a Northeast D.C. apartment. Officials wouldn't say exactly where they found the cats, citing an ongoing investigation.

Crews worked through the evening to remove all the cats from the apartment and said the person who called animal control did the right thing.

"The cats were living in very unsanitary conditions. When you have a large number of cats, unfortunately the odor of the urine and their waste is quite powerful and not really a situation where the animals can continue to stay," Chris Schindler, vice president of field services for Humane Resource Alliance told FOX 5. "This was 35 cats in a very small space so clearly these cats needed more care and so that is what they are doing right now."

It will be at least a week before any of the cats will be able to be adopted out, according to officials. In the meantime, the felines will continue to receive medical treatment.

It was not clear yet if the owner would face any charges.