Putrid Smell Leads Officers To Dozens Of Sick Cats In Trailer
Dacono Trailer Deemed Unsafe For Living
POSTED: 4:40 pm MST February 26,
2005
UPDATED: 4:46 pm MST February 26,
2005
DACONO, Colo. -- A Dacono home has been condemned by health officials after dozens of cats were found living inside.Mountain View firefighters rescued four more cats from the trailer on Saturday, but authorities believe there could be 20 to 30 cats still inside.The trailer is located on the 1100 block of Maclean Street.
Officials' biggest worry right now is that some of the cats have illnesses that could be passed on to humans."I petted them. They have big holes on them from their hair falling and stuff. They're disgusting and they smelled so bad," said neighbor Rebecca Ochoa.Neighbors said that the horrid smell was something they couldn't avoid."Every time it rains or wind blows, we have to use a lot of air freshener," said Robert Espindola.Dacono police went into the home with a search warrant after several neighbors called to complain. Officers said they found the trailer full of cats who were living among their own feces and urine. Many of felines are in bad shape."Some are very, very ill. We had to put two to sleep so far," said Dacono police spokeswoman Kelli Revoir.Health officials also said there's a hole in the floor where they believe many of the cats are still living."We do know none have been vaccinated. When they live in a colony like this, they can pass diseases back and forth to each other," said Revoir.Worry about diseases such as ringworms has crews suiting up in Hazmat suits before they go into the trailer."The cats that are savable ... we hope to put them up for adoption so they can lead good lives," Revoir said.The homeowner, Pamela Flanders, could face animal cruelty charges after the Weld County district attorney looks over the case.Her husband, Almon Flanders, has been charged with having more than the maximum number of animals in a home.
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