Investigation underway after 125 cats, some deceased, discovered in alleged hoarding situation in Gates home

The Humane Society of Greater Rochester is investigating after more than 125 cats - some deceased - were removed from a Gates home in recent days.

Ashley Zeh, communications director for the Humane Society of Greater Rochester at Lollypop Farm, said animal cruelty investigators responded to a home on Courtright Street on Friday morning after emergency responders received a report of many cats living in unsanitary conditions. A resident and cats were living with a hoarding situation, she said.

In all, the humane society has taken in 126 cats, most of whom are kittens, Zeh said. Over 100 cats were removed from the 1,600-square-foot home on Friday and another 20 were removed on Tuesday, she said.

Some cats were found deceased and at least 10 kittens were euthanized due to extreme poor health, she said. Many of the surviving cats suffered respiratory problems as the house was infested with fleas.

Investigators are looking into whether any criminal charges will be filed in connection with the incident. Lollypop is focusing on caring for the felines, many of whom still require medical care.

"The biggest thing is encouraging people to seek help before it becomes this sort of situation," Zeh said.

To report suspected animal cruelty, call 911 of the Humane Society's animal cruelty hotline at (585) 223-6500.

Lollypop Farm also put out a call seeking help fostering cat who are able to leave the clinic and others who were already at the Humane Society and around 125 people responded.

Lollypop Farm is also seeking donations of cat carriers and kitten food - specifically Fancy Feast Kitten Food, Purina Kitten Chow and Breeder’s Edge Foster Care Kitten Milk Replacer - for the more than 100 cats still in their care.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: More than 125 cats removed from Gates NY home