Officers remove more than 200 pets from North Carolina home

CARY, N.C. — North Carolina animal control has opened an animal cruelty investigation after officers found more than 200 rats, dogs, cats and other pets inside a home.

News outlets report the officers were asked to perform a welfare check on the home.

Town of Cary Public Safety Director Allan Cain said they decided to remove most of the pets, based on the large number and the unsanitary environment they found. The seized animals also included turtles and guinea pigs.

Town of Cary Spokeswoman Deanna D. Hawkes said in an email sent to the News and Observer Tuesday that 242 animals were removed but the investigation is ongoing and more could be taken.

Associated Press