ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The Animal Protective Association of Missouri said it needs "urgent help" with the largest hoarding case in its history after it took in 150 cats from a house in Wildwood.
Photos shared by concerned family members showed the house in disarray, with dozens of cats weaving underfoot, standing on stacked crates and peering around doorways.
Carolyn Haydon said her mother, father and another family member lived in the 8,000-square-foot home on the 18000 block of Country Trails Court. She and the rest of the family had been concerned about their parents for some time, but hadn't seen them in years.
Haydon claimed the other family member who lived in the home had kept the rest of the family away. Suspecting elder and animal abuse was occurring, Haydon said she had been trying to get authorities involved for more than a year.
It wasn't until she learned that mother died that the situation was uncovered. While Haydon's father and the other family member were at the funeral home, Haydon said her brother went to the home and took pictures, then informed police of the state of the home.
The St. Louis County Police Department confirmed officers from the Wildwood precinct responded to the home on Aug. 28 for a welfare check. After learning of the large number of cats in the home, police obtained a search warrant and notified the St. Louis County Problem Properties Unit and St. Louis County Animal Care and Control, who arrived and began removing the cats.
Haydon also claimed there were several dead cats found in a deep freezer.
It was unclear if any criminal charges would be filed. Haydon said she was told the family member attempted to avoid charges by signing over ownership of the cats.
137 cats rescued from Wildwood hoarding case
Haydon said she is still concerned for her father's well-being and that her siblings have retained a lawyer. She believes neglect contributed to her mother's death.
The APA said Wednesday that after taking in all 137 cats, the total number of cats at both of its locations was nearly 500. The number went up to 150 on Thursday and they are still expecting more to come.
"We've really been working with our staff to really help care for all of those pets, because it is the biggest case we've had all at one time," APA Community Engagement Coordinator Maria Chavez said.
The cats from the Wildwood case are not yet available for adoption, making the organization's space crisis even more acute.
"Our dedicated team is working tirelessly, but we need your support to ensure every cat receives the care they deserve, and that room is made for those still coming in—we anticipate receiving at least 60 more," the APA said.
The smallest kittens they have rescued so far are only about two weeks old.
"So when we brought them in, we went ahead and took a look at them, made sure they were healthy, anyone that needed any care, we went ahead and covered that. And then after that, they'll be spayed and neutered, prior to becoming available for adoption," Chavez said.
The shelter said people can give support in many ways, including fostering, adopting, volunteering, donating and spreading the word on social media. Items needed include XXL and XL crates, plastic food/water bowl combos and cardboard flats.
There is a clear the shelter event happening this weekend. Both Olivette and Brentwood locations are open Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"All of our pets fees are waived. That will help us free up space in our shelter to bring in more, which we are expecting," Chavez said.