Almost two dozen dead cats were discovered in a Tampa home, including some stored in freezers by police evicting a man last week.
While authorities tried to kick James Hopkins, 66, out of his home on Thursday, police claim he also allegedly crammed more than 30 other living cats into four pet carriers. Police found the felines gasping for air in the cages on neighboring properties, the Tampa Tribune wrote.
Inside the home, there were 22 dead cats in all, including 15 in the fridge, WTSP reported.
The confines were so packed that the cats were “unable to stand or turn around,”according to an affidavit cited by the Tampa Bay Times.
The rescued pets are being cared for by animal protective services, WTSP said.
Hopkins was charged with one count of cruelty to animals and 20 counts of unlawful confinement of an animal, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office. Bond was set at $2,000, according to the sheriff’s website.