One arrested, 50 cats rescued from Avoca home in neglect case

Brandon Kyc
·2 min read

AVOCA, N.Y. (WETM) — One person was arrested and 50 cats were rescued from a mobile home in Steuben County following reports that the animals had been abandoned since March.

According to the Finger Lakes SPCA, 50 cats consisting of 44 adults and six newborn kittens, were rescued from a trailer home in Avoca and said to have been living in deplorable conditions.

The FLSPCA stated that it is managing the cats, but some have several health issues, severe enough that humane euthanasia was deemed necessary.

The release states that the issues were likely due to a combination of inbreeding and the toxic atmosphere that the cats were living in. The FLSPCA added that this has been a case that’s required a lot of attention and staff time.

Mobile home overrun by 20-30 cats in Avoca

The cats are reported to have multiplied rapidly and overwhelmed the living space, which officials say could have been prevented by spaying or neutering the initial cats.

The FLSPCA said that the cats taken from the residence aren’t socialized, as no one lived in the home for some time, and would be best adopted as working cats, or barn cats. Six of the cats have already been relocated to new environments so far. If you or someone you know is looking for a cat to be in a working environment inside of a barn, stable, workshop, warehouse, etc. please call the FLSPCA at 607-776-3039.

The FLSPCA is asking for any community assistance in the form of money donations, Purina Cat Chow (blue bag), or any other item on their wishlist.

Steuben County Sheriff’s Office confirmed with 18 News that a man from Bath was arrested in connection to the case and was charged on 17 counts of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, Article 26, Section 353, overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance.

Police said the individual was processed and released with an appearance ticket to return to the Avoca Town Court.

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