NEW INFO: Massive animal rescue

More than 60 animals have been found in a local home.  Ashley, Indiana, police responded to 105 Adams Ct. along with the Steuben County Humane Society Wednesday afternoon.

Police came to the home to find two dogs and 20 to 60 cats had been living on the property. The real problem though, according to officials, is the number of rabbits that were kept in the basement of the home.

NewsChannel 15 was the only local station on the scene as the Steuben County Humane Society picked up 30 to 40 rabbits. The homeowner voluntarily gave the animals up but watched heart broken as officials took them away.

"All I know is someone wrote an anonymous letter saying we were being cruel to animals," said the homeowner, who did not want her identity revealed. She told NewsChannel 15 she didn't know how many rabbits or cats she'd been taking care of.

Officials say most of the animals had their basic needs met, but the number of animals alone was concerning, mostly for hygiene related issue.

"With 40 some rabbits and then cats, it's difficult to manage all that," said Ashley Deputy Chief Garry Osborn.

Authorities assumed they'd have problems trying to transport one of the two dogs in the back yard. Police said the dog was quite aggressive.

Police say an investigation is underway. It's possible charges could come against the homeowner.

NewsChannel 15 asked Sheila Baumberger, with the Steuben County Humane Society for some insight into the mentality of someone who hoards animals.
 

"They usually they have [Obsessive Compulsive Disorder], truely," said Baumberger. "Usually they have stuff stacked up in the house besides all the animals and that's true in this case."

The homeowner will have the opportunity to post bond, so the Humane Society will hold the animals for her. It's likely she will get some of the animals back.

This is the fourth animal hoarding case the Steuben County Humane Society has responded to just in the month of July.