It was the second time in a week the Animal Rescue League of Iowa has removed distressed cats. Last week, officials took 26 cats from a one-bedroom apartment in Des Moines, the television station reported.
Dorothy Brightman, who lives in the home, called police, KCCI reported."It was obvious that the person just became overwhelmed and was unable to properly care for these animals," animal control director Joe Stafford told the television station.
The felines lived in a "terrible condition" and were suffering from several untreated medical conditions, Stafford told KCCI. One of the kittens died, he said.
"(They have) severe upper respiratory infections, which led to a lot of eye issues (and a) lack of dental care," Stafford told the television station.
Authorities said it was the second time Brightman has had cats removed from her home, KCCI reported. The first time it occurred was 2013.
Brightman was cited for not providing proper care to the cats, police said.
"That's what going to have to happen sometimes to get people's attention, particularly when we have animals that are injured or dying," Des Moines police Sgt. Paul Parizek said.
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