At least 120 cats of various breeds and ages were seized from a home in a quiet Fullerton neighborhood on Wednesday, July 2, much to the surprise of some nearby residents.
Orange County Animal Control spokesperson Jackie Pratt said a community member had called the agency and reported seeing “a large number of cats at the residence and were concerned about their welfare.”
Orange County Animal Control spokesperson Jackie Pratt said a community member had called the agency and reported seeing “a large number of cats at the residence and were concerned about their welfare.” (Photo by OC Hawk)
Animal control officers were dispatched around noon to the 2600 block of Balfour Avenue, near Chapman Avenue and west of the 57 Freeway, along with several Fullerton Police officers. The cats, which ranged from kittens to older adult cats, were found in and around the home.
The total amount of cats seized has not been determined yet, as animals were still being processed for intake at the agency’s headquarters in Tustin. Pratt said a lot of the cats suffered from some form of contagious illness and would receive proper treatment and care with the agency. She added that it didn’t appear that the cats were mistreated, there were just unfortunately too many.
Neighbors described the whole ordeal as odd, and many said the large police presence was unexpected for their area. One 68-year-old woman, who asked not to be named, said animal control officers had come around a week prior asking about cats in the neighborhood.
No arrests were made. Residents living inside the home where the animals were seized declined to comment.
Pratt said the case is being investigated as a criminal matter and if charges were filed, it would likely be for a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge, citing a failure to properly care for the animals. The animals will eventually be available for adoption after they receive medical treatment and the investigation is complete.
“We have tons of cats at the shelter, so if they want to foster or adopt any of our current residents, it’ll help us make room for these rescues,” she added.
The shelter is located at 1630 Victory Rd. Tustin, CA 92782.