MADISON COUNTY, Ind. -- The Madison County HAZMAT team and health department condemned a home Wednesday after several adults, and more than a dozen animals, were found living in cat feces up to 3 inches thick in some places.
Neighbors called authorities to the home in the southwest part of the county complaining that they could no longer live with the odor coming from the residence.
Madison County Sheriff's deputies arrived at the home to find several adults living there, along with 14 cats and three dogs. Four additional cats were found inside the home on Thursday and officials say they believe there may still be 4-6 more inside.
Officers were reportedly only able to stay inside the home for a couple of minutes before becoming ill.
Deputies reported finding cat feces all over the home – sometimes 2-to-3 inches thick on the floor and in corners.
Click the image below to see more photos from the home:
Officials pulled the cats out in crates, including one dead animal. Many of the live animals were found to be in poor condition.
"You can see they have the sniffles and running noses," said Angie Webster, with the Animal Protection League. "They all have upper respiratory infections, so it's hard. It's not a good life for them."
Madison County Sheriff Scott Mellinger said the animals' owners, Frederick and Patricia Clayton, were cooperative, and even agreed to help catch the cats.
Officials condemned the property and said no one will be allowed to enter the home without oxygen equipment.
The case will be referred to the prosecutor's office for possible charges.
