More Than 20 Dead Cats Found In Pittsburgh-Area Home

WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PA — A man has been charged with multiple animal cruelty offenses after West Newton police discovered more than 20 dead cats in a residence.

Police said Jonathan Hodgetts of Charleroi was supposed to be caring for 21 cats who were found dead.

The homeowner called police after finding all of her cats in various stages of decomposition. She told investigators that Hodgetts was supposed to be caring for the cats for the past year while she was taking care of a sick cat.

She told officers that she sent supplies to the residence for the cats, and Hodgetts sent her pictures and assured her that the cats were fine.

The homeowner told police that Hodgetts was rescuing the cats and getting them fixed and the two had plans to turn a detached garage into a cat sanctuary.

A veterinarian performed a necropsy on the cats and determined the cats died due to starvation.

The homeowner told police she last saw the cats alive in July.

Hodgetts is facing charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, cruelty to animals, and neglect.