73 Cats Removed From A Stench-Filled Van In Oregon

Animal rescue workers were astonished to find 68 cats living in a crowded and stinking van in Ontario, Oregon last Sunday. Five cats were found dead in the van.

According to the Argus Observer, the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint about a bus piled high on the inside with cats, pet carriers, and other various items. A deputy and sergeant responded to the call and found a hoard full of felines in a Ford E350.

Cynthia Allen, the van’s owner, claimed there were 26 cats in the van. The 55-year-old cooperated with police and turned over the van. She will likely be charged with animal neglect.

Feral Cat Project volunteer Elizabeth Lyon responded to the situation and was horrified at what she saw.

“It’s bad enough that we are cleaning one cat box for every three or four or five cats. That’s bad, but that was really horrifying.”

It is unclear how Allen collected so many cats or why she was keeping them in a van, but she had left for Texas from Oregon and returned to Oregon recently, according to KGW.

Lyon couldn’t believe how many cats were in the van.

“It was just a swirling mass of cats around your feet,” said Lyon. “Every step I took down that center aisle, I had to wiggle my foot in so I didn’t step on somebody.”

It was clear many of the cats needed medical attention. Three veterinarians and over 20 volunteers spent two hours getting the scared cats out of the vehicle. Although the cats are friendly and tame, they were extremely stressed and some were injured or sick.

The felines were all being treated for worms and parasites. One cat’s eyeball was protruding from its socket, and the injured feline had to undergo surgery. Many of the cats are already missing an eye or both eyes due to upper respiratory infections.

The Ontario Feral Cat Project asked the surrounding community to borrow pet cages. The rescue group reassures people who donate their cages that the cages will be cleaned and disinfected before they are returned.

Perhaps surprisingly, most of the hoarded cats have been spayed or neutered. So far, all the living cats rescued have remained alive.

“We’ll be showing cats at the stores as soon as they are healthy enough to be shown,” said Lyon.

Cynthia Allen, the owner of the van, could not be reached for comment about the cats.

[Image via The Ontario Feral Cat Project]