SPCA traps cats, seeks neglectful owner

SOMERSET, N.Y. (WIVB) - Authorities are looking for an animal hoarder who allowed dozens of cats to live in filth.

Animal abuse charges are pending against Beverly Cox in connection to a neglect case in Somerset. On Wednesday, Special Agent Aaron Kandefer was back at the scene on Lake Road, trapping cat after cat, trying to remove the 40 or more feral felines left in an abandoned house. Eight others were seized by police on Tuesday.

"Somebody originally started out probably trying to do good for the animals and found themselves overwhelmed. And once they became overwhelmed, they decided to leave the cats to the house," Kandefer said.

>> Photo gallery: See images from the house, including shots of cats on the roof

Police say bags of cat food were continually left inside, along with buckets of water, so someone was coming and feeding the cats. Somerset Town Supervisor Daniel Engert told News 4, cox was living at the home with her family, amid the cats, the squalor, and the smell, until the beginning of July.

"The dirt, the feces, it just was... I just can't wrap my head around how this can come to this," Engert said. "I'm at a loss for words about how this situation has gotten to this point."

News 4's Ed Drantch called Beverly Cox to ask about the house, but she denied his request for a phone interview. However, she claimed the house is not abandoned and that the cats can come and go as they please.

According to a police report obtained by News 4 that you can read for yourself here, Cox called police Tuesday night saying "she wanted to turn herself in" after hearing her house was condemned. Kandefer says she could face a misdemeanor charge per cat, once charges are filed.

"I am angry," Kandefer said. "I mean, there's resources out there to help these people, all they have to do is pick up a phone and ask for help."

In all, only five cats were seized by the SPCA on Wednesday. They will return on Friday to try and trap some more. Supervisor Engert says the house will be demolished in the next 20 to 30 days.