80-plus Maine Coon cats seized from West Hillhurst home by Humane Society

The Calgary Humane Society seized approximately 80 Maine Coon cats from a West Hillhursthome on Sunday.

"The cats were removed as a result of visible illness and environmental factors," said Brad Nichols, the senior manager of animal cruelty investigations.

Maine Coons are a large breed of housecat, with males averaging 12 to 18 pounds and females averaging eight to 12 pounds.

Nichols said it was too early to tell if this was a breeding situation, butthe investigation continues.

"Today is a lot of examination and treatment plans for the animals and it will be a bit of an evolving situation as far as who retains or has ownership of the animals and what we'll do from there," he said.

Collecting evidence

The Humane Society needs thorough evidence before it would lay charges, including thoroughveterinarian examinations.

"It's certainly the type of situation that generally could be considered for charges, we just need more information before we make that decision," said Nichols.

While the society sometimes "has to get creative" with its space, Nichols said there was ample room to house the large seizure of cats.

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