McAllen, Texas (valley central) — The Palm Animal Society is asking for help after its facility received a large number of animals from a second animal hoarding incident.
Thursday, a warrant was served to search a home in the 300 block of West Fern Avenue.
At the scene, authorities found numerous animals inside the residence.
“City of McAllen staff determined that numerous animals were present at the residence, including dogs, cats, and birds,” said Xochitl Mora, director of communications for the city of McAllen.
The Palm Valley Animal Society was called to the scene and found 64 cats, six dogs, one parrot and one turtle inside the home.
Authorities arrested 63-year-old Jose Antonio Mori on charges of 68 counts of animal cruelty to non-domestic animals.
This is the second case of animal hoarding in McAllen in less than a week.
All animals were taken to the Palm Valley Animal Society.
“All 60 cats are here, none of us are going to euthanize them. They're all in critical condition,” said Faith Wright, director of operations for the Palm Valley Animal Society.
Wright said he has started treating cats for ear mites and offering front-line therapy and deworming medication, among other medical treatments the cats need.
“Today the cats are eating, making noises and moving around a bit, which is great,” Wright added.
Throughout the weekend, Palm Valley will be checking to see which cats are pregnant, which have ringworm, and which need further skin treatment.
Six of the 21 dogs found in the previous animal hoarding incident can also be adopted.
“The cats are very stressed and we are not going to allow the public to come in and observe them at this time,” Wright said. “We're starting everyone on antibiotics because we're seeing upper respiratory infections.”
She added that while she appreciates the community's willingness to actively monitor these cats, it's best for now to let them rest and decompress so they can get healthy.
The city of Palm Valley is expected to announce by Monday whether the public will be able to visit to foster or rescue cats.
Wright added that people interested in adopting a cat should remember that they cannot adopt the cat until the trial is over.
The Animal Society accepts donations through its website to help with unexpected medical expenses.
