Nearly 200 Cats and Kittens Rescued from Killeen Home

Few things bring my blood to a boil like seeing animals locked up in tiny cages and mistreated. My blood pressure skyrocketed when I read about the United States Humane Society and Killeen police seizing dozens of cats and kittens from horrific conditions in a Killeen home.

According to a news release from the Humane Society, police served a search and seizure warrant on an 1800-square-foot home around 7 AM Friday. Inside, they found nearly 200 cats and kittens, along with several dogs, "living in conditions typically seen in severe neglect situations."

What does that mean? According to Chelsea Edwards with our partners at News 10, the home in the 3600 block of Foxglove Drive was packed with felines living in stacked crates and cages with neglected, overflowing litter boxes and very little clean drinking water. Several of the poor creatures were suffering from upper respiratory illnesses, which shouldn't come as a shock if you imagine what must have been floating around in the air. Some cats were nursing young.

“It is heartbreaking to see hundreds of gentle cats and kittens suffering in poor conditions,” Nikki Prather, Texas state director for the Humane Society of the United States, said. “We are thankful to the City of Killeen for answering the call to help these animals.”

"Heartbreaking" is one word for it. "Infuriating" is more along the lines of what I'm feeling.

The Human Society says the animals are being housed at an undisclosed shelter, where they'll be treated by a veterinary forensic consultant from Austin before being put up for adoption.

News 10 reports that charges could be pending once an investigation is complete.

Sure, mental health could be a factor here. I get that. But there's no reason to bring innocent, defenseless creatures into the orbit of your crazy.

I'm going to hug my dog when I get home.

Warning: Images in the gallery below may be disturbing or upsetting.