Dozens of cats and a dog were seized from a Deering home, animal rescue workers said.

The Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire said one of its investigators met with the owner of the home after receiving a complaint of possible animal neglect. The league said the owner agreed to hand over 18 cats but then changed her mind about giving up the rest of the animals.

The league said that based on the condition of the cats that were surrendered, police decided to obtain a search warrant to seize the rest of the animals. 18 more cats and a dog.

    (Photo courtesy of WMUR TV)

The rescue league said the animals had been living in deplorable conditions, and a veterinarian found that several had dental infections and all were suffering from severe upper respiratory and eye infections. The cats had also all been exposed to feline immunodeficiency virus, a potentially fatal virus.

"In these situations where you have so many cats in a small area, it's completely cross-contaminated, and you can't treat anything in the home because it lives in the environment, as well," said Maureen Prendergast of the Animal Rescue League. "So, these cats were suffering from quite a lot of stuff."

Three people at the home -- Randy C. Emery, 36; Randy M. Emery, 58; and Phyllis Emery, 56 -- were arrested and charged with one count each of cruelty to animals.

The cats that were initially turned over will be quarantined for two months before they're available for adoption, rescuers said. Some will need additional surgeries.

The 18 cats and one beagle seized during the execution of the search warrant won't be available until the case is resolved in court, rescuers said.

Update 6/29/10:  The latest seizure from a Deering home by the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, marks the organization's 13th animal hoarding case this year.

ARL Investigator Maureen Prendergast said the Bedford-based non-profit organization is projected to take in 2,175 abused animals this year, compared to 1,905 last year. The ARL is already 58 percent over budget for medical costs to aid abused animals, she said.  "We completely, 100 percent, rely on donations," Prendergast said.

The latest hoarding case comes from 2352 Second NH Turnpike in Deering.

From left: Randy M. Emery; Phyllis A. Emery; Randy C. Emery
Photo's courtesy of the Union Leader

Calling the conditions of their home, "deplorable," Prendergast said that earlier this month she and other investigators observed feces and urine on the floors and furniture, which also had a plethora of flies and sneezing cats" a signal of feline respiratory problems.

"It's not really suitable for even people to be living like that," Prendergast said. "You feel bad for the owners as well."

According to court papers, police investigated the Emery's for animal complaints in 2007 and again in January of this year. Police and ARL monitored the conditions of the home, which "significantly deteriorated" this spring.

With the help of police, the ARL took 18 cats from the home June 14 after the family agreed to give them up. Authorities were going to take the remaining cats as well, but the Emery's allegedly refused.

Since that time, police obtained a search warrant that resulted in the seizure of another 18 cats and a dog. The day after, police and ARL went back to the home and took another four cats.

  (Photo courtesy of Dan O'Brien/The Union Leader)

Police Chief James Pushee said there are at least two more cats on the property that authorities have not been able to catch. He said they plan to return for them in the coming days. One cat is a stray that frequents the property, while the other lives underneath the mobile home.

As police and ARL arrived at the Emery's house yesterday afternoon, a golden retriever was leashed to an adjoining mobile home, which Pushee said belongs to Phyllis Emery's father who is not part of the investigation. Part of the Emery's bail conditions is to not care for any animals.

A woman at the Emery home shouted for a reporter to leave the property and refused comment.

Prendergast said each cat will be quarantined for two months and most will undergo extensive medical treatments. One cat tested positive for feline immunodeficiency virus, a potentially fatal virus also known as FIV or "Feline AIDS."

A large number of the cats will likely need eye surgery, in some cases having one or both eyes removed, due to severe eye infections. Some will need teeth removed because of dental infections. The cats also have ear mites.

The surgeries "are costs the League will ultimately absorb," Prendergast said. She estimated each cat's medical expenses will cost roughly $800.

The cats given up voluntarily will be ready for adoption once their medical treatments are completed in about six weeks, but the remaining cats will likely stay in the shelter longer due to legal issues.

The number of hoarding cases for the ARL has increased dramatically this year. In the first four months, 11 cases were handled, which is triple compared to the same period in 2009.

"I think the economy has a lot to do with it," Prendergast said.

"It's definitely a psychological thing," said Prendergast, adding that those suffering from the condition often think they're rescuing animals by allowing them to live in their homes.

Prendergast said hoarding cases often start when someone takes in two or three cats that quickly multiply. She reminds people that ARL provides low-cost spay and neutering services and an animal food pantry.

"If people feel like they're overwhelmed, call us," she said.

To make a donation, visit www.rescueleague.org and click on "Make a Donation." Include "medical care" on the designation line or send a check to ARL-NH, 545 Route 101, Bedford, NH 03110.

Update: 8/27/10:  The Animal Rescue League was called in by the town of Deering. Dr. Shalsee Gibbs from the Animal Medical Center Emergency and Referral of New England volunteered her time to check out the initial 18 felines and found that in addition to general poor health, ear mites and severe dental infections, all were FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency virus) a potentially fatal virus. Because of their exposure, the cats will all be quarantined for two months prior to being available for adoption. All have been started on different forms of antibiotics such as Doxycycline and Clavamox as well as Terramycin for their eyes. Several will most likely need eye surgery and teeth removals.

The beagle also taken into protective custody on June 28th will not be available for adoption until the case is resolved in court.

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