PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio — Dozens of cats and raccoons were removed from a hoarding situation at a Parma Height home last week, according to Parma Heights Animal Control.
On July 30, animal control received an email from the Parma Heights Housing Department that said a home in the 6000 block of Fernhurst Avenue had a shed in the backyard with raccoons stored in it.
The email said there was a “foul odor” coming from the shed, which was modified with chicken wire over the opening to keep the raccoons inside.
On Aug. 5, animal control and the Cuyahoga County Health Inspector responded to the home on Fernhurst and discovered “deplorable conditions.”
Animal control officers located approximately 30 raccoons and 50 cats being held in captivity.
Although fed, officials said most of the animals displayed symptoms similar to respiratory infections such as sneezing, hacking, coughing and discharge from the eyes, nose and mouth.
Complaints to the home on Fernhurst Avenue date back to 2013. The complaints were investigated by an out of city agency since Parma Heights did not have an animal control officer until 2019.
Animal control is working with the Animal Protective League in regards to the welfare of the cats and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on the welfare of the raccoons.
