Two of 34 cats removed from a trailer near San Joaquin Road and Ajo Highway Wednesday, June 19, 2019.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department discovered 43 animals in and around a trailer Wednesday while responding to an unrelated call.
Nikki Reck, spokesperson for Pima Animal Care Center, says 34 of the animals were cats and many had upper respiratory infections. She says the five turtles, three dogs and one puppy were mostly healthy.
Reck said the officers told her the cats were housed with no water and in unsanitary conditions near San Joaquin Road and Ajo Highway.
"They said as soon as you walked into the trailer the smell of urine and feces hit you very strongly," said Reck.
Spokesperson James Allerton of the Pima County Sheriff's Department wrote in an email that officers arrested Andres Contreras, 43, and Joylynn Severns, 32, for animal cruelty charges.
Reck said the animals are friendly and will be up for adoption when their health has recovered, which will vary animal by animal.
She said the shelter has had to get creative about how it will house these pets and the other 1,590 animals under its care.
"It's summertime, so we're getting in 50 to 100 and something pets a day. Intake is high during the warmer months, so we need help," said Reck.
Those interested in fostering one of the pets while they recover can contact the Pima Animal Care Center.
CORRECTION: The initial story incorrectly spelled Nikki Reck's name.
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