This story has been updated Friday afternoon to reflect new information about the cats found Thursday in an abandoned Carson City home. Go here for the latest.
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A welfare check on a home in the 1300 block of Ladera Drive in Carson City led to the discovery of dozens of sick, malnourished and dead cats.
Carson City Sheriff's Office deputies Bob Guimont and Jeff Pullen made the discovery after being called to the residence at around 5:50 p.m. Thursday. Neighbors told the officers they were concerned about the cats and the fact that they had not seen the male occupant of the home in weeks.
The deputies conducted an interior search of the home and made entry to determine if there was a person deceased inside. Once inside the officers discovered dozens of sickly, malnourished cats that were without food and water. There was feces and garbage throughout the floors of the home. Inside, at least five cats were found dead and decomposing, and in the backyard, several were found torn apart, apparently eaten by other cats.
Deputy Pullen put down bowls of food and water for the cats while waiting for Carson City Animal Services and health officials to arrive. Approximately 20 cats came outside to eat from the bowls. Other cats scattered from the home once the deputies opened the door.
A neighbor, Tammy Smart, said she had contacted Animal Services about the cat issue a couple of weeks ago after a cat had been run over by a car and laid there for hours in the middle of the street. She said she was told SPCA would be notified. She said she had not seen any indication the cats were being fed or taken care of by anyone since the day she called.
Deputies learned from neighbors the man who had once occupied the home was taken away by family members several weeks ago for mental health concerns. In January, authorities made a welfare check on the home where the man was contacted. It is unknown how long the home has been unoccupied or who owns it. Mail had piled up in the mail box and two vehicles were in the driveway along with bags of trash, litter and waste.
"Apparently when the family took the man away they forgot to tell someone about the animals," said Guimont.
Carson City health officials arrived at the home early Thursday night as did Animal Services. The cats will be trapped and removed from the property.