Around 100 cats found in Catskill apartment
Published on:
October 23, 2026
The discovery on North Street prompted a large-scale rescue operation and led to the arrest of two people. Catskill PD photo.
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CATSKILL―An estimated 100 cats were rescued from a village apartment Thursday after police discovered what they described as extremely unsanitary and unsafe living conditions, leading to the arrest of two residents and the condemnation of the property.
According to the Catskill Police Department, officers received information on October 22 about deplorable conditions inside an apartment at 68 North Street, where multiple people were reportedly living with an unknown number of cats.
Following an investigation, police obtained a search warrant and entered the residence, discovering conditions they said posed serious health and safety concerns for both the occupants and the animals.
The discovery prompted a large-scale rescue operation involving law enforcement officers, animal welfare organizations and volunteers, who worked together to remove more than 100 cats from the apartment.
Two Catskill residents, Kayla Hackett, 38, and Barry Mower, 42, were arrested and charged with multiple counts of violating New York State Agriculture and Markets Law provisions prohibiting animal cruelty, including torturing or injuring animals and failing to provide proper sustenance.
Both were issued appearance tickets to Catskill Town Court.
Due to the severity of the conditions inside the apartment, local authorities subsequently condemned the residence.
The rescued cats were transported for veterinary examinations and treatment. Following their evaluations, the animals will be distributed among several shelters and rescue organizations for temporary housing and continued care.
The operation involved assistance from the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Albany County Animal Cruelty Task Force, Schenectady County SPCA, AnimalKind and Hyer Rescue.
