Traps set for at least 10-15 more cats still at large.
HOOKSETT, NH – Hooksett police have removed dozens of animals from a Dundee Avenue residence after executing a search warrant Thursday where they say the animals were being neglected.
At approximately 8:30 a.m., officers from the Hooksett Police Department with the assistance of the NHSPCA, executed a search warrant at 12 Dundee Ave., related to a large population of cats living under conditions consistent with animal cruelty/neglect.
During the execution of the search warrant, officers were met with deplorable living conditions, animals suffering from various health issues and dangerous levels of ammonia. As a result, the Town of Hooksett Code Enforcement Officer as well as the Hooksett Fire Department responded to the scene. Due to the high ammonia levels, the search and rescue was paused while HFD ventilated the building and members of the Southeastern NH Hazardous Material Mutual Aid District (SENHHMMAD) responded. Wearing specialized personal protective equipment, the remaining cats were removed.
In total, custody of 29 cats and 2 dogs were transferred to the NHSPCA and the Animal Rescue League of NH. There are still believed to be 10 to 15 cats that were unable to be caught at the time and traps have been set that will be checked. The residence was deemed uninhabitable and subsequently posted by Hooksett Code Enforcement.
This investigation is ongoing.
