REDFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Ten cats were rescued from a Redford Township home deemed an imminent danger to public health and are now receiving care at Michigan Humane as rescue efforts continue at the property, officials said.
Michigan Humane confirmed the cats have been transferred to its care, where veterinary and animal care teams are developing individualized treatment plans for each animal.
“Ten cats from the Gaylord Street house in Redford Township have been brought to Michigan Humane, and our teams are working with them to create individualized care plans,” the organization said in a statement.
Officials said no photos of the cats are being released while they adjust to their new environment.
Welfare check uncovers deplorable conditions
Officers found what authorities described as deplorable living conditions, and the homeowner was taken to a Metro Detroit hospital for treatment.
After obtaining a search warrant, animal control officers from Redford Township, Southfield, Dearborn Heights, and the city of Wayne attempted to enter the home but were forced to retreat due to hazardous fumes and gases inside.
The Redford Township Fire Department ventilated the home by breaking out windows and installing screens to prevent cats from escaping.
The Wayne County Public Health Department determined the property was too dangerous to enter without several days of ventilation, specialized protective equipment, and high-level respirators.
Authorities left food and water inside the home while waiting for conditions to improve.
Multi-agency effort clears way for re-entry
A multi-agency response later allowed crews to re-enter the home after the Redford Township Building Department determined it was safe enough to do so, despite finding more than 2 feet of standing water in the basement.
Animal control officers worked in 10-minute shifts because of the hazardous conditions.
Officials reported seeing more than 20 feral cats, but many fled into the basement, rafters, tunnels, and debris, making rescue efforts difficult.
The Redford Township Department of Public Services used a vacuum truck to remove standing water from the basement before crews determined that live traps would provide the best opportunity to capture the remaining cats.
Officials continue checking the traps daily as rescue efforts remain underway.
Property condemned, charges pursued
The Wayne County health officer has declared the property an imminent danger to public health and has prohibited anyone other than authorized personnel from entering.
Officials warned that unauthorized entry could result in criminal charges.
The Redford Township Building Department has declared the home unfit for occupancy and is pursuing additional legal action.
The homeowner has been cited for exceeding the allowable number of animals. Authorities also submitted two animal cruelty charges, failure to provide medical care and maintaining unsanitary conditions, to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Animal control officials said they will continue monitoring the traps until all known cats have been safely removed from the property.
Previous report