Upland, California — More than 500 cats and nine dogs have been discovered at multiple California properties, including 28 cats allegedly found dead inside a garage freezer, as authorities investigate alleged inhumane conditions connected to a local animal rescue organization.
The animals were found at properties in Upland and Claremont during an ongoing animal welfare investigation involving Furget Me Not Cat Rescue, according to the Inland Valley Humane Society and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Officials said search warrants were served after allegations were made that cats associated with the nonprofit rescue were being kept in conditions that raised serious animal welfare concerns.
Hundreds of Cats Found at California Properties
The investigation involved multiple properties connected to the rescue. According to the Inland Valley Humane Society and S.P.C.A., 405 live cats were found at the Upland property during the searches.
More than 150 deceased cats and cremated remains were also recovered from the Claremont property, while additional deceased animals were allegedly found in other locations on the properties.
Nikole Bresciani, President and CEO of the Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A., said the number of animals discovered was substantial.
“The Upland property had 405 live cats,” Nikole Bresciani, President/CEO of the Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. tells PEOPLE. “In the Claremont property, we took in the over 150 deceased and cremated remains. And then we also found deceased cats in the freezer and then buried in the backyard.”
Authorities said multiple deceased cats were discovered inside a freezer in a garage, while others were allegedly found buried in a backyard.
28 Cats Allegedly Found Dead in Freezer
Bresciani said investigators found 28 dead cats inside the freezer.
The discovery was among the most disturbing findings during the searches, which also uncovered other items raising concerns about conditions at the properties.
Officials said expired medications intended for humans and used needles were also found.
The animal welfare investigation remains active, and authorities have not announced final findings regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths or the conditions in which the animals were kept.
Rescue Animals Now Receiving Care
The surviving animals were removed from the properties and are now undergoing evaluations for potential medical and behavioral problems.
Because of the sheer number of animals involved, officials said the recovery process will require significant time and resources. Bresciani said both agencies are working to address veterinary care as well as the animals’ basic housing and welfare needs.
“We’re concerned about obviously the live animals,” says Bresciani. “You know, both agencies are concerned about taking care of veterinary care and just general housing and care for the animals.”
The situation has also created uncertainty for people who previously surrendered cats to the rescue.
According to Bresciani, authorities have already received inquiries from individuals trying to determine whether animals they surrendered are alive or deceased.
“And then also we’re getting inquiries from people who are saying that they actually surrendered their cats to these people. And so they’re trying to find out if the cats are alive or deceased.”
Officials Urge Residents to Report Concerns
Bresciani described the situation as deeply troubling and encouraged members of the community to report potential signs of animal hoarding or neglect.
“It’s a sad state of affairs,” she adds. “It’s sad that something can rise to that level and that a community doesn’t even know what’s happening under their noses …”
She also explained that properties involved in animal hoarding situations may not necessarily appear visibly neglected from the outside.
“The part about when people are hoarding animals is that it’s usually the front of their houses are nice and kept and that it’s very unassuming.”
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According to Bresciani, the number of animals inside a property can be very different from what neighbors might expect based on its outward appearance.
She urged people to pay attention when something appears unusual and to report concerns to the appropriate authorities.
“And so we just ask people to if you see something and if things feel off, report it. And if you smell ammonia at a property, chances are there are a large quantity of cats because that’s what happens when there’s urine and not being cleaned properly.”
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The surviving cats and dogs are expected to require continued evaluation and care as authorities work through the large-scale animal recovery.
More than 500 cats, both living and deceased, were reportedly involved in the investigation, making the case an unusually large animal welfare operation for the local agencies handling the response.
Authorities have not indicated that the investigation is complete, and additional information could emerge as the animals are assessed and investigators continue examining the properties.
What do you think about the discovery of hundreds of animals at these California properties? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know what you believe communities can do to help prevent animal welfare situations from reaching this point.
