MASON CITY, Iowa — The Iowa Animal Rescue League announced Thursday that it saved 29 cats from a van in Mason City with assistance from police.
With outside temps in the 90s, the temperature in the van was life-threatening.
Ammonia levels were tested inside the van and were also found to be dangerously high.
The cats' owner was found in the van with them.
Andres Enrique Guilartes Martinez, 64, was arrested and charged with three counts of animal neglect for his connection with the case.
When the van was opened, cats were found everywhere with no food or water and two were found with something wrapped around them tight enough to leave deep wounds.
All of the cats were moved to air-conditioned vehicles and quickly transported to the ARL's main Des Moines shelter.
After arriving at the shelter, evaluation and treatment began.
Some of the cats were found to have serious injuries and illnesses which included upper respiratory and eye infections.
The ARL said all of the cats ate ravenously when given food.
Luckily the cats were saved in time, but the situation could've been much worse the animal shelter said.
