Woman, 12 Cats Found Dead Inside Connecticut House; Police Rescue 42 Animals

An investigation that started as a routine medical call has turned into a shocking case of animal cruelty in Connecticut.

Wolcott Police officers investigating the untimely death of a woman were horrified to find 53 cats and a dog inside her home. Of this, 12 were dead and the dog was in "very bad health," police said.

The officers were called to the home around 11 a.m. Saturday for medical assistance. They found the woman's body inside the home, which was in "complete disarray with a horrible stench," Connecticut Post reported.

"Upon gaining access to the back room, we found the dog in a crate, upon multiple dead cats," said an officer, adding that they found 23 live cats in the same room.

Animal control personnel were called in. Officers removed 41 cats and the dog from the home and took them to a veterinarian. None of the cats are available for adoption now.

Police Chief Edward Stephens told the news outlet that though the death does not appear suspicious, they are waiting for the autopsy results. The woman appears to be in her 50s and her identity has not been revealed yet.

The fire marshal, building inspector and health department also inspected the home. They have determined that the house is not safe to live in at the moment.

Local reports said a man, his wife and their adult niece were living in the house. Police have not revealed any information about the other inhabitants.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is assisting police with the investigation.

In a similar incident, a 7-year-old boy was found locked along with dogs inside a home in South Africa without food or water.

The boy with special needs was rescued by authorities. The incident came to light after some people spotted the child standing inside the house. The house was soon secured by the authorities.