MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (AP) - Animal control officers wearing protective suits and air packs rescued 47 cats from a house filled with feces that in some areas was half a foot deep.

Two kittens were found dead in the one-story house in Martinsburg, said Melissa Susko, director of PIGS Animal Sanctuary in neighboring Jefferson County, which helped remove the cats from the house Thursday.

"They were just in a pile of feces," Susko said.

One pile of cat feces was about 3 feet wide. In other areas, the feces was 3 inches to 6 inches deep, said E.N. Webber of the Berkeley County Animal Control office.

"We were slipping and sliding in there. It was pretty bad," said Star Silva of the Promise Animal League, which also helped remove the cats.

Animal control officers went to the house in response to complaints from neighbors about odors.

Berkley County sheriff's Chief Deputy Kenny Lemaster said authorities were looking for the house's owner, who was not identified. No charges have been filed.

Berkeley County Sheriff Randy Smith said the cats were taken to a site that Martinsburg formerly had used as a pound. He said most appeared to be ill and had ear mites.

"We're going to try to get them the medical assistance they need," he said. "We know we've got a few that are in pretty bad shape."

An inspector with the Berkeley County Department of Planning, Zoning and Engineering condemned the house, Lemaster said.

Associated Press