42 Cats Rescued From Derby Home In 'Deplorable Condition': Mayor

DERBY, CT — Over 40 cats were rescued from a Derby home in "deplorable condition" Monday morning, according to city officials.

In a news release provided by Mayor Richard Dziekan's office, Dziekan said the 42 cats were rescued from a Hawkins Street home around 10:30 a.m. after a resident let animal control officers enter the home.

Many of the cats needed to immediately be seen by a veterinarian, Dziekan said. The mayor also noted animal control officers informed him many of the cats "were in poor health and are going to have a long road ahead of them to get better."

According to Dziekan, the house was in deplorable condition and the city's health department, fire marshal and building inspector said it cannot be occupied. The mayor's office is working with the landlord of the house to ensure the home's resident has a place to stay.

"Some of the cats, which are in better condition, are now at Shelton Animal Control," Dziekan said in a news release. "I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in this rescue operation. It breaks my heart to see pets in such deplorable conditions resulting in poor health."

Anyone interested in donating to the care of these cats can send donations to the mayor's office, Dziekan said.

The rescue operation was conducted by the city of Derby utilizing Shelton Animal Control officers, Dziekan said. Shelton Animal Control handles animal control for the city of Derby.

Dan Cosgrove Animal Control in Branford, Newtown Animal Control and State of Connecticut Animal Control officers provided assistance.

The Derby police, fire and public works departments, the Derby fire marshal's office, the Naugatuck Valley Health Department and Shelton and Derby's building departments also assisted in the rescue, Dziekan said.