Nearly 50 animals removed from Kansas home

NICKERSON, Kan. (KSNW) — The Reno County Sheriff’s Office has uncovered what appears to be a case of animal hoarding in Nickerson.

Sheriff’s Captain Steve Lutz says on Thursday, April 11, deputies were called to a home in Nickerson after a request to check animal welfare after people reported their pets missing.

“Talk in the area of this person has lost an animal, this person is missing this cat, somebody made comments about there’s not many strays in that area, so we were worried about that,” said Lutz.

No one answered the door, but deputies were able to determine there were a large number of animals inside the house. They attempted to contact the resident’s relatives, but that was unsuccessful.

The sheriff’s department then coordinated with the humane society and several area animal shelters to develop a plan to take custody of the animals. They returned to the home Friday, where they were able to contact the resident and a search warrant was executed.

Deputies, with assistance from the Hutchinson Animal Shelter, removed 49 animals from the home.

“We were expecting the worst. When somebody says there’s so many here that you can either double or triple that number,” said Lutz.

Hutchinson Animal Services Director Michaela Schommer says she’s never seen animals living in more terrible conditions, saying the house was overcrowded and filthy.

‘Sweetest’ dog wrapped in duct tape rescued from dumpster in Nebraska

“This specific case is the worst living conditions for the animals that I’ve seen,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking to see the animals in this condition; it’s heartbreaking to know that there are individuals living in this environment and that they care, but they don’t understand how to meet their needs, or they don’t see the reality that they’re facing.”

The animals have been taken in by four shelters:

• Hutchinson Animal Shelter: 1 dog, 20 cats

• Kingman County Humane Society: 4 dogs, 2 chinchillas, 1 rabbit

• Golden Belt Humane Society: 13 cats

• Pratt Area Humane Society: 8 cats

All of the rescued animals are being treated for upper respiratory infections and other health issues.

“Pretty much all of them have fleas. Everybody has been dehydrated, and upper respiratory infections are very common,” said Schommer.

Some of the pets had microchips implanted, and they are working to contact the owners so that they can pick up their animals. If you live in the area and are missing a pet, contact the shelters to let them know what pet you are missing.

The sheriff’s office says you will eventually need to provide a photo to positively match your missing pet.

The telephone numbers for the animal shelters are:

• Hutchinson Animal Shelter: (620) 694-1924

• Kingman County Humane Society: (316) 542-1812

• Golden Belt Humane Society: (620) 792-4297

• Pratt Area Humane Society: (620) 672-6777

None of the animals will be available for adoption until they are healthy, but for those who want to get involved now, the biggest need for the shelters is cat litter and food.

The case is under review by the Reno County Attorney’s Office. Currently, in Kansas, animal cruelty is a misdemeanor but becomes a felony after a second subsequent offense.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.