UPDATE: Pets continue recovery after removal from Boulder City home

UPDATE SEPT. 3: The recovery and re-homing process for the 43 cats and three dogs removed from a Boulder City mobile home last week continues.

Boulder City Animal Control Supervisor Ann Inabnitt said six feral cats had been placed with rescue groups while receiving several calls for the remaining cats.

The cats were vaccinated last week with about 20 of them responding to efforts to condition them to the human touch, eating, drinking from bowls, and using litter boxes, according to the shelter.

Inabnitt said they are responding very well to their new situation and believes they will be ready for adoption soon.

As of Tuesday, there were five cats ready for adoption, and six kittens should be available for adoption within ten days, according to the animal shelter.

More than 1,000 pounds of food and nearly 1,000 pounds of litter has also been donated to the shelter to help the cats.

Inabnitt said residents answered the calls for donations and the shelter has enough crates to house all of the cats as well.

PREVIOUS STORY
Officials in Boulder City report they have recovered numerous animals from a home located in the area.

Wednesday, the Boulder City Animal Control said it retrieved 43 cats and three dogs from a mobile home last week.

“This week has been especially difficult for staff,” said Boulder City Police Chief Tim Shea. “There is an ongoing investigation surrounding the circumstances leading to this unfortunate incident.”

City officials did not immediately release the location of the home or the owner’s identity but said the animals were taken to the Boulder City Animal Shelter, where they are being evaluated and cared for.

SIMILAR STORY: Animal Foundation transferring 38 puppies, 1 adult dog to partner organizations

Several of the animals were also said to be in various stages of recovery with the help of the animal control staff.

“Three dogs were sent to a breed-specific rescue in good condition,” said Animal Control Supervisor Ann Inabnitt. “Six cats could be available for adoption this week, and about 12 others could be adoptable soon.”

The majority of cats taken which were taken in are feral or semi-feral and Inabnitt is working with rescue organizations and clinics around the valley to help the pets.

Inabnitt says many of the 43 cats and 3 dogs had bad eyes when they were rescued, some of the kittens were covered in feces. "As an animal control officer, I'm angry. I'm angry that this happened under my nose. Angry that we have to clean it up."

Most of the animals are now healthy but there's a lot more work to be done. Inabnitt says anyone dropping off clay cat litters or a large dog crate at their office on Yucca Street is a huge help.

"Who hasn't gotten an puppy with a crate, and the puppy outgrows the crate and it's left in the garage? We would love to have that."

But the biggest thing you can do is to stay vigilant.

If it weren't for neighbors reporting the possible hoarding situation, these animals would still be living in deplorable conditions. So watch out for warning signs.

"The house keeping aspect of having that many animals quickly overwhelms the person taking care of them and you will see the property degrade."

If anyone suspects animals are being kept in an unhealthy or unsafe environment residents are urged to call their local animal control.