A search warrant to investigate charges of animal cruelty and neglect was executed at a home in the Village of Athens and led to the discovery of 113 cats in various states of health.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department Animal Control and the Battle Creek Police Department Animal Control found the animals, around noon Thursday, in the 600 block of South Avenue A. The homeowner, a 64 year-old female, was on the scene and cooperated with authorities.

The Calhoun County Health Department said that the residence was habitable, but due to high levels of ammonia in the air, the Athens Township Fire Department conducted a gas detector test. The test revealed decreased oxygen levels and increased methane levels which prompted an overnight evacuation of the home.

The cats were housed at the Battle Creek Animal Shelter and the incident remains under investigation by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department with criminal charges being sought.

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