SPCA Westchester Rescues 150 Cats, Kittens From Yorktown Home

YORKTOWN, NY — The 150 neglected cats and kittens that were living in a Yorktown home whose owners were found dead Monday were rescued by the SPCA Westchester.

The Humane Law Enforcement Unit, under the direction of Ernest Lungaro, seized the cats that were living in filth and squalor.

Yorktown Police Department personnel discovered the residence was filled with what seemed like an endless number of felines being hoarded in the small, dilapidated home.

Police were asked by the homeowners’ family to perform a wellness check on the couple. Law enforcement was unable to clear the scene until the SPCA’s rescue team was able to remove many of the cats that were found in every room of the home, including the ceilings and walls.

SPCA officials said all the cats, which mostly appear to be Abyssinian mixes, are suffering with upper respiratory, eye and skin infections, malnutrition and dehydration.

Unfortunately, some have more severe injuries that require immediate medical attention, the SPCA said.

The cats were starving at the time of rescue and likely had not eaten for many days. Some had already died.

Shannon Laukhuf, the executive director of the SPCA Westchester, said this was the largest hoarding case SPCA Westchester has ever undertaken and the organization is in desperate need of support from the community to help care for the neglected and sick cats.

“Whether it’s financial support, cat food, litter, blankets and towels,” she said, “all contributions are welcomed and greatly appreciated.”

Rescue partners from Best Friends Animal Society, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Westchester Humane Society, Rescue Right and Columbia-Greene Humane Society have also stepped up to help with the massive rescue effort.

SPCA Westchester’s website has ways to donate through this link.

The organization is located at 590 North State Rd. in Briarcliff Manor.

SEE ALSO: Yorktown Couple Found Dead In Home With 125 Cats