• Oakland County Animal Control Division is conducting an animal neglect and abuse investigation because of the conditions in which officers observed the cats living.
• Animal control officers also discovered five deceased cats at the scene.
• The 38 cats are under treatment and evaluation at the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center while the remains of the five deceased cats are at Michigan State University where veterinarians will perform necropsies.

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Animal Control Division is conducting an animal neglect and abuse investigation today after animal control officers and Commerce Township firefighters rescued 38 cats from a house fire on Winewood Lane yesterday. They also discovered five deceased cats at the scene.

The Commerce Township Fire Department requested assistance from Oakland County Animal Control officers about 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 at the house fire after firefighters observed many cats roaming around the property. When animal control officers arrived at the home, they observed the cats living in concerning conditions that were unrelated to the fire.

The surviving cats are under veterinary evaluation and treatment at the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center in Pontiac. The shelter sent the remains of the deceased cats to Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine for necropsies to determine the cause of death.

The case remains an open investigation. Once concluded, the facts of the case will be turned over to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office to determine whether there will be any charges. For details about the house fire, contact Commerce Township Fire Chief Jim Dundas.