UPDATE: The Topeka Police Department announced it found 91 animals in the house. They seized live 73 animals and recovered 18 dead. Police arrested two people and booked them into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on pending charges of cruelty to animals; abandon without provisions for care.
TPD is continuing to investigate the situation.
TOPEKA (KSNT) - Officers with the Topeka Police Department (TPD) helped the Humane Society rescue numerous cats and dogs from poor living conditions from a local home on Tuesday.
Rosie Nichols with the City of Topeka said in a press release that the TPD executed a search warrant in the 1400 block of SW Fillmore Street following a report of animal abuse occurring there. The TPD was accompanied by members from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and animal welfare partners to help find new homes for the animals at the house.
The TPD made contact with homeowners when it executed the search warrant, finding dozens of dogs and cats that were "living in hazardous conditions with little to no access to food and clean water." Criminal charges are expected to be filed in connection to the investigation.
“The conditions these animals were living in ranks as one of the worst I’ve ever seen in my career,” said Topeka Police Department Captain Colleen Stuart. “I am extremely proud of our Animal Control unit, and we are grateful to have the HSUS partner in this terrible situation. The HSUS was able to provide the needed resources to allow these animals a second chance for a loving forever home.”
Animals found at the home were distributed by the HSUS and animal welfare organizations for care and treatment. Nichols said the HSUS is taking rescued animals to a safe, confidential location for examination by licensed veterinarians.
Kirsten Peek with the Humane Society said in a separate press release that multiple Great-Dane type dogs and cats were discovered living in filthy conditions in the debris-filled home. Many of the dogs are severely underweight with some animals appearing to suffer from eye, skin and upper respiratory issues.
“Nothing can prepare you to see animals suffering in such terrible conditions,” said Midge Grinstead, Kansas state director for the HSUS. “We are grateful to the Topeka Police Department and all the agencies working together to get these animals the help they need.”
"TPD ACOs recognized the nature of the situation and requested the assistance of HSUS," Nichols said. "We would like to thank our ACOs and partners in animal welfare for their dedication to the well-being of animals in Topeka and the work they do every day."
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