40 Cats Rescued From Hoarding Case In Sterling: Authorities

STERLING, VA — 40 cats were rescued from a suspected hoarding case in Sterling, Loudoun County Animal Services said. The cats will be available for adoption at the county's animal shelter after they are medically cleared.

Authorities have not identified the person who owned the cats. The owner has not faced any criminal charges.

At a civil hearing on Wednesday, the court ordered the owner to pay more than $7,000 in restitution to Loudoun County Animal Services for their costs. The owner also faces an indefinite ban on pet ownership.

Loudoun County Animal Services opened its investigation on Aug. 1. An area resident requested that somebody check on the cats at the Sterling home, authorities said.

Humane law enforcement officers determined that the cats were not receiving proper care, and the conditions in the home were threatening their safety.

"Ammonia readings in the home were significantly elevated beyond safe levels for prolonged exposure for both humans and animals," Loudoun County Animal Services officials said in a news release. "Numerous surfaces in the home were covered with feces and urine and conditions were consistent with severe hoarding."

The officers removed the cats from the home. The 40 cats are now receiving medical care. The cats will be available for adoption after they are medically cleared, authorities said.

"The large intake of animals comes at a challenging time for the county’s only public animal shelter," authorities said in the news release. "Owner surrenders of cats have increased by 36% over the previous year, which required LCAS to set up additional emergency housing throughout the facility to accommodate the newly arrived cats from this case."

The animal services division is asking residents to consider donating items to help care for the cats. The animal shelter could use canned food, unscented litter, or squeezable treats.