Catskill, NY (WRGB) — What began as a report of a single apartment in “deplorable living conditions” ended with a massive animal rescue and two arrests in Catskill.
The Catskill Police Department said it received information Oct. 22, 2026, about an apartment on North St. that was reportedly being maintained in deplorable conditions and occupied by multiple residents and an unknown number of cats.
After investigating, police obtained and executed a search warrant at the residence. Officers who entered the apartment found “extremely unsanitary and unsafe living conditions” for both the people living their and the animals inside, police said.
Law enforcement and animal welfare organizations then worked together to recover and remove the animals. More than 100 cats were recovered from the apartment, according to the Catskill Police Department.
Police said they were assisted by the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Albany County Animal Cruelty Task Force, Schenectady County SPCA, Animal Kind and Hyer Rescue.
Two from Catskill, 38-year-old Kayla Hackett and 42-year-old Barry Mower, were arrested and charged with multiple counts of Overdriving/Torturing/Injuring Animals/Failing to Provide Sustenance under the Agriculture & Markets Law, police said.
Both were issued appearance tickets and released pending future court proceedings, police said.
Because of the severe condition of the property, local authorities subsequently condemned the residence.
The recovered cats were transported for veterinary examination and treatment. After evaluation, police said the cats will be distributed among various shelters and rescue organizations for temporary housing and continued care.