Woman Arrested After Dead Cats Found In Home, Several Caged Animals Rescued

A number of dead cats, as well as other surviving animals, were found in a home in California, officials said Tuesday.

The police arrived at the suspected hoarder’s home in Moreno Valley on Monday to conduct a welfare check when they discovered several cats, most of which were confined to cages. The animal control officials found 100 cats and two dogs at the residence.

“Upon arrival, deputies smelled a foul odor and believed there was possibly a deceased person inside the residence. Deputies entered the residence and discovered numerous cats were being hoarded within the residence. Based on the overall condition of the residence, officers from Moreno Valley Animal Control and Code Enforcement were summoned to the location,” the Riverside County Sheriff's Department said in a news release.

The release added that 18 of the cats found in the deplorable condition were either already dead or had to be humanely euthanized as their health had deteriorated beyond the point of recovery.

The remaining animals which survived the ordeal were taken to the city’s animal shelter for evaluation.

“Our first priority is to see that these animals get the proper medical care they deserve,” said Animal Services Director Steve Fries. “Ultimately, we want to see that each of these cats and dogs ends up adopted into loving homes.”

Fries added that although the shelter was well-equipped to take care of the cats temporarily, he made it clear that “space is limited at the Shelter and that he hopes residents will open their hearts and homes to the rescued animals.” Since some of the cats could be ready for adoption in about the next two weeks, he urged people to reach out to them to provide a permanent home to the rescued felines.

The owner of the home, 44-year-old Kristen Gotangco, was arrested for felony cruelty to animals and was booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center. She was being held on $600,000 bail.

An investigation into his actions is currently ongoing. Anyone with any information regarding the case was requested to contact Deputy Banuelos at the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s station.