More than 50 cats were at the home.
Fifty to 75 live cats were at the home.
A tip from a neighbor about the stench and animals in distress led officers to check the home.By MONA NAIR
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Sheriff's officers found at least 20 dead cats and others severely neglected Monday in an East Knox County home.
At least 15 cats were found decomposing. Officers also found six live dogs and 50 to 75 live cats at the home at 4535 Murphy Road. A woman lives there by herself. Her name has not been released.
A tip from a neighbor about the stench and animals in distress led officers to check the home. When they looked in a window and saw the conditions along with dead cats, they returned with a search warrant.
Some of the animals had been dead for a long time, according to officials.
Officers said animal feces covered the inside of the house and was even ankle deep in some parts. Rural/Metro Hazmat provided special suits and equipment for officers to go back into the house to remove the animals.
The surviving animals were taken into custody by the Knox County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Unit and transported to Young-Williams Animal Center.
The sheriff's office KCSO is working with the Knox County District Attorney General's Office on charges to file in this case. Knox County Codes was also called to the scene.
