GIBSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WZTV) — Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) saved 42 cats from a house in Gibson County, Tennessee on Wednesday where three men had been living without running water or electricity.

When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they found remains of at least one dead animal inside the home. ARC, the national animal protection nonprofit, reports the property had high ammonia levels, debris, and buckets full of “human excrement” which created “horrendous conditions” for the animals.

Additionally, there were thousands of cockroaches, spiders, and black mold in the place.

Numerous cats rescued show signs of chronic neglect including:

Eye injuries
Fur loss
Internal and external parasites
Upper respiratory illness
ARC says all cats also suffer from malnutrition and dehydration.

The nonprofit field team had to cut into the walls and ceilings to save the cats, battling dangerous conditions.

“Without the support of our donors and volunteers, we could not answer these calls for help,” said ARC’s Executive Director, Tim Woodward. ”Anyone can be a part of today’s rescue operation by donating, volunteering, or sharing our important work on social media.”
ARC transported all the cats to their rescue center in Gallatin, Tennessee. Now, all the animals will receive appropriate vaccinations and essential medical treatments before they are sent to a shelter in hopes of getting adopted.

ARC responded at the request of the Milan Police Department. Now, all three men living at the home have been charged with one count of animal cruelty each.