A Southwest man was arrested Tuesday morning by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and charged with 16 counts of cruelty to animals. The arrest follows an investigation by Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) law enforcement officers.
On April 17, HRA’s Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) department received a call about a large number of cats living at a residence on Darrington Street SW. Upon investigation, officers determined that numerous cats were living there under extremely poor conditions. After multiple visits over the following two weeks, officers observed no change in their care.
On May 8, HLE officers executed a search warrant and discovered a total 10 cats living at the address. Many had medical issues ranging from upper respiratory and eye and ear infections to sores on their bodies. Some of the cats were afraid and appeared to lack socialization.
In addition to the living cats, officers discovered 11 deceased kittens in various stages of decomposition throughout the home. The residence was littered with feces. Furniture was saturated with animal waste and the house smelled of cat urine.
The man was arrested at his home. Following the arrest, he will likely be arraigned, given a status hearing date and released.
The living cats were rescued and transferred to the care of the Humane Rescue Alliance.
