NAMPA, Idaho — On May 22, Nampa Police Animal Control received a complaint about the welfare of cats at an address on N. Franklin Blvd in Nampa. When they arrived, there were already concerns about the cats in the home and for the resident, considering the living conditions during the initial investigation. At the time, the resident was not home.
On May 23, Animal Control and Patrol went to make contact with the resident and check on the living conditions. Based on the conditions, it was deemed necessary for the welfare of the animals that they all be immediately removed. With help from the West Valley Humane Society, 65 total cats were removed from the residence. All cats were in various states of health and age and were seen by a veterinarian or initially treated as able.
All persons who entered the home wore personal protective equipment for their own safety. By the evening on May 23, after multiple checks, all animals inside had been removed and taken to West Valley Humane Society and placed in protective custody pending further investigation. Due to the health of some of the cats, for humane reasons, around 30 were put to sleep by a certified technician. 91 cats who were already dead were also removed from the home.
The owner, 64-year-old Jeanette R. Elliott, was cited for thirty counts of committing cruelty to animals (Idaho Code 25-3504) and the animals remain in protective custody pending court hearings. If you, or someone in the public, suspect cruel treatment of animals, please call your local animal control/law enforcement agency. Non-emergency Nampa Police Dispatch for Animal Control is 208.465.2257.
Due to the large number of cats taken in, If anyone feels compelled to assist West Valley Animal shelter with the care of these animals a donation can be made directly to the shelter.
