Frozen Cat Carcasses Found in N.M. Home

Frozen Cat Carcasses Found in N.M. Home

AP

More than 100 cats and the frozen carcasses of 82 others were removed from the home of a woman living alone in a four-bedroom house, authorities said.

Las Cruces police went to the home in southern New Mexico Tuesday after receiving reports of foul odors, Lt. Juan Moreno said.

Las Cruces and Dona Ana County Animal Control officers helped to remove about 70 cats Tuesday. Officers returned Wednesday for the remaining 30 cats.

Inside a kitchen freezer, officers found 82 frozen cats – each inside a one-gallon freezer bag bearing a brief description and date, Moreno said.

The woman, 46, was taken to Memorial Medical Center for examination and was later released. Officers said the cats were strays the woman had taken in.

Necropsies will have to be done to determine if any charges will be filed. The woman could also be fined for keeping more pets than city law allows – two dogs, two cats or two rabbits, or any combination of the pets.

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