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Dozens of blue-eyed ragdoll kittens huddled together after being rescued from a Pennsylvania home where authorities said they had been living among piles of trash, feces and urine.
The Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) announced in a social media post that it has removed 78 ragdoll cats and kittens from a residence in Lancaster Township on Tuesday after executing a search warrant at the property.
Officials said the investigation began earlier this week when Lancaster Township Police responded to the residence for an unrelated call.
Inside, officers found feces and urine throughout the home, debris stacked from floor to ceiling and dozens of cats roaming freely, according to NBC Philadelphia.
Based on those observations, the Pennsylvania SPCA's Animal Law Enforcement team secured a search warrant related to the alleged ill-treatment of animals and failure to provide access to clean and sanitary shelter.
When officers returned to execute the warrant on June 9, they faced difficult conditions inside the property.
Rescuers spent hours working in extreme heat and dangerously high ammonia levels caused by accumulated animal waste, per the PSPCA.
Animal waste can create hazardous ammonia levels in enclosed spaces, particularly when large numbers of animals are confined indoors. Exposure can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and may lead to breathing difficulties in both people and animals.
Dozens of ragdoll kittens huddle together after being rescued from a Lancaster County home where authorities said they were living in unsanitary conditions
The Pennsylvania SPCA removed 78 ragdoll cats and kittens after executing a search warrant at the property following an investigation by local police
'The conditions inside this home were among the most severe our team has encountered,' Nicole Wilson, the PSPCA's director of animal law enforcement and shelter operations, told NBC Philadelphia.
'Our officers endured hours of extreme heat and extreme ammonia levels to ensure every single animal was safely removed.'
Photos released by the Pennsylvania SPCA showed dozens of fluffy ragdoll kittens huddled together after being brought to safety.
Ragdolls are known for their bright blue eyes, long coats and gentle temperament. The breed is among the most popular in the United States and is often prized for its docile nature.
The organization said all 78 animals will undergo forensic examinations and receive any necessary veterinary treatment.
The Pennsylvania SPCA said some of the rescued cats were frightened and sick when they were removed from the property.
'Some were frightened. Some were sick. All were living in conditions no animal should ever have to endure,' the PSPCA said in the social media post.
According to NBC Philadelphia, 70 of the animals were surrendered to the Pennsylvania SPCA, while the remaining eight are being held in protective custody pending their surrender or the outcome of court proceedings.
Rescuers spent hours searching the home while working through extreme heat and dangerously high ammonia levels caused by accumulated animal waste, officials said
Some of the rescued cats were frightened and sick when they were found, according to the Pennsylvania SPCA, and are now receiving veterinary care and forensic examinations
Seventy of the cats were surrendered to the Pennsylvania SPCA, while eight remain in protective custody as authorities continue to investigate the case
The animals are receiving veterinary care, nutritious food and clean bedding while they undergo forensic examinations.
The PSPCA said the cats are not yet available for adoption but could eventually be placed in permanent homes.
No charges had been announced as of Thursday.
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