Jun 20, 2008 11:52 am US/Eastern
64 Cats Found In Home With High Ammonia Levels
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
New Hampshire animal officers found over 60 cats in a home where ammonia levels were so high, they could have caused brain damage.
The New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said 64 cats were found in Suzanne James' Newton, New Hampshire home in crates and cages. Overflowing litter boxes were found in the basement, the NHPCA said.
When the air inside the home was tested, officials said the ammonia levels registered 35 parts per million. "People and animals should not be exposed to ammonia levels higher than 25 parts per million over the course of an eight hour period," said Steve Sprowl, NHSPCA Field Service Manage. "Exposure to high levels of ammonia can cause brain damage and even death."
Several of the animals were suffering from respiratory infections and eye and ear infections. All of the animals had fleas and several of them had open sores from flea allergies. According to the NHSPCA, several of the cats had dental diseases.
Officials said the cats will be treated, spayed or neutered and microchipped and then be put up for adoption.
Investigators said James was selling the cats over the Internet.
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