More than 80 cats removed from Royal Oak house

Animal Control says animals seem well taken care of

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – The couple left their Royal Oak home Tuesday morning with their faces covered.

The 54-year-old man and 48-year-old woman hoarded close to 100 cats and dogs. In fact, neighbors called police because of the pungent odor.

On Monday, Royal Oak police and Oakland County Animal Control removed the pets from the home.

The couple is cooperating with police. Over the years the home near 12 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue fell into disrepair.

"They've lived there for quite a while. I think they're great people. They're very nice. I'm assuming that they just got involved with caring about the animals, and it ended up getting a little bit out of control," said Philip Gates, who knows the couple.

Outside the Oakland County Animal Shelter, the impact of 84 unexpected cats is clear.

"Cart after cart after cart," said Bob Gatt, of Oakland County Animal Control.

The cats are being kept in isolation as they're inspected. But overall, most seem well taken care of.

"Usually in hoarding cases a lot of the animals that come in are very sickly. This wasn't the case. The animals look pretty darn healthy," said Gatt.

With their place condemned, this couple has lost their home and their pets.

The couple has not been charged at this time. The Oakland County Animal Shelter needs help with adoptions


About the Author:

Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 in 2013 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. Education: B.A. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism