Police and animal control officers in Anne Arundel County removed dozens of sickly cats from a home in Glen Burnie.
The police department said in a news release that law enforcers went to the home on Monday after the landlord expressed concerns about a tenant.
Authorities say although the tenant refused to let police inside, the officers saw poor conditions in the home and got a search warrant.
The warrant was executed on Tuesday, and police say 51 cats and kittens were removed. Officials say eight dead cats were found. Authorities say a veterinarian who saw the animals said nearly all had some aliments, including upper respiratory infections, malnutrition and dehydration. They are in protective custody.
Animal control officials are continuing to investigate.
