Deputies discover over 70 cats, many ill, in apartment on Fallbrook Street near Main Avenue

After responding to a call from a neighbor on Wednesday, August 22, Fallbrook Sheriff's deputies discovered over 70 cats and kittens inside an apartment near Fallbrook Street and Main Avenue, many of which were ill.

"A neighbor who occupies the apartment adjoining this one called in regarding a very bad odor coming from the apartment," said Sgt. Patrick Yates of the Fallbrook Sheriff's substation. Deputies responded to the call at about 5 p.m. that day in the 200 block of East Fallbrook Street and discovered an elderly man living in the one bedroom apartment with over 70 cats and kittens.

"This was only a 500 square-foot apartment," said Yates.

"These cats and kittens were neglected and malnourished. Many were very ill," he said.

Yates said the man told officers that only four of the cats were domesticated and the remainder was feral,"

"We called in the humane society," said Yates. "They assessed the situation and began removing the sickest cats first."

When asked if any charges will be filed against the man, Yates said, "There will probably not be any charges filed against him."

Yates said the removal operation took about 24 hours and deputies kept the scene secured for the duration.

The odorous situation at the apartment, which is part of a four-plex, only negatively impacted the adjoining apartment, Yates said.