Animal Control and Lincoln police took nearly 50 living cats and 10 dead kittens from a home in the 1000 block of South 14th Street Monday evening.
Officers were originally sent to the house a week ago after a UPS driver called to say it smelled like someone may have died inside, Officer Katie Flood said.
The woman who lives there allowed officers to walk through the house at that time, and they said they smelled a strong odor of urine and feces and saw cats, cat food on the floor and general disarray, Flood said.Ìý
The resident was told she had one week to clean up the home and that officers would follow up to ensure she did.
Neighbors said they watched officers remove dozens of cats from the house about 8:30 Monday evening.
Police Sgt. Randy Clark said Tuesday morning that 46 cats had been taken from the house, along with 10 dead kittens.Ìý
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It's too early to say what will happen with the living cats, said Animal Control Manager Steve Beal.
"The cats are at the Capital Humane Society and are getting any veterinary care they need," he said Tuesday. "The owner has surrendered the cats to Animal Control, leaving them in our care."
Beal said Animal Control hasn't issued any citations yet, and the case is still under investigation.
"Cases like these are always difficult," he said. "We don't like to see it happen. We'd rather help people prevent this and encourage people to give us a call if they need help."
If someone has too many animals, they can call Animal Control to see what assistance they need.Ìý
"By Lincoln ordinance, you can have up to five cats, but they have to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies," he said. "You can have more than five if you obtain a multi-cat household permit from Animal Control."
Beal said people who are unable to properly take care of their animals can also call his office for a list of resources.
"Capital Humane Society would be a good resource for them, there's also The Cat House and other places," he said.Ìý
Animal Control can be reached at 402-441-7900.