AUBURN, Maine — More than 50 cats were seized after an extensive animal cruelty investigation in Auburn resulting in charges for two residents.
On Thursday, the animal control officer and patrol officers with the Auburn Police Department, along with Maine Animal Welfare agents, executed a search warrant at a local single-family home located on Seventh Street, according to a news release from the Auburn Police Department.
The execution of the search warrant follows "an extensive investigation into the welfare and neglect of animals being housed on the property," police said.
A total of 55 cats were reportedly seized after a search of the home, and a 56th cat was found dead.
"The seized cats are being medically evaluated and housed at various animal shelters throughout the state," police said. "Veterinary services are being provided by the Maine Department of Agriculture."
Police said the property was deemed uninhabitable by city code enforcement officials due to "dire living conditions found inside the residence."
Auburn residents 40-year-old Jeffrey Bartos and 35-year-old Miranda Loggans have been charged with cruelty to animals in the investigation and are expected to appear in Androscoggin County District Court on March 20. Police said both individuals are prohibited from possessing any animals until then, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
