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Investigators find 8 dead cats in feces-filled Valrico home

News Channel 8 Photo by KATY KUEHNER

Hillsborough County Animal Services investigators said they found eight dead cats and 11 live cats in what they said were deplorable conditions at a home in Valrico.

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By KATIE CORONADO | News Channel 8

Published: June 24, 2009

Updated: 06/24/2009 05:46 pm

Animal services officials served a warrant at a Valrico home where they found eight dead cats and 11 live cats in what they said were deplorable conditions. Investigators had to euthanize the 11 other cats due to various illnesses, according to Marti Ryan from Hillsborough County Animal Services.

At the home at 516 Crowned Eagle Ct, investigators found 74-year-old Alice Santis and took her to a local hospital for what they are saying mental health issues. As an ambulance transported Santis, investigators searched the property and found the cats and the house filled with feces, urine and mold.

"The entire house had excessive feces, wall to wall," said Hillsborough County Animal Services supervisor Pam Perry. "We found a cat in the kitchen with massive eye problems."

At least 20 more cats from this property are thought to be roaming around in that neighborhood, said Perry. Investigators are working to trap them, she said.

Animal services officials said they have received anonymous complaints about this property since 2006, but just recently obtained enough cooperation from neighbors to serve the warrants.

Perry said Santis' husband, James Santis – who lives at a different address – will also be investigated as well.

No charges have been filed, Perry said.

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