67 Dead Cats Discovered In NEW YORK Home While Hundreds Rescued From Crates Stacked Floor To Ceiling

Authorities discovered 67 dead cats coldly stuffed in plastic bags and stored in the freezer at a filthy upstate New York home Wednesday night. This was one of the lucky ones that made it

Authorities made the heartbreaking discovery of 67 dead cats coldly stuffed in plastic bags and stored in the freezer at a filthy upstate New York home Wednesday night.

Officials found the dead felines when they responded to a call about a stench coming from the home in Wright, New York, just outside of Albany.

The Times Union of Albany reports the dead cats were packed in plastic bags in the freezer and more than 100 live cats were in crates stacked floor to ceiling.

Sheriff's deputies went to the home after a neighbor called to complain about the overpowering odor of cat urine and feces.

Authorities say the woman, Irene Vandyke, 50, had 'a hoarder mentality'

Charges are being weighed against the cats' owner, Irene Vandyke, 50, a Walmart employee.

The manager of the animal shelter that took in the cats said she previously tried to try to help the woman. 

She said the woman had 'a hoarder mentality.'

Authorities said the home 'was condemned and deemed unfit for human occupancy.' 

Those who know Vandyke said the sudden death of her husband might have triggered the cat hoarding, reports the Times Union.

'We felt sorry for her and bad for the kittens at the same time,' said Schoharie County Sheriff Tony Desmond to the Union.' But I'd like to see 

'The minute anyone tried to take her cats, she freaked out and threw them off her property,' Colin said. 'She definitely had a hoarder mentality. She's not a horrible person. She just needs help and counseling.'

On Wednesday, as the dead cats were being removed and the living felines were being taken to the shelter for medical treatment. Deputies had to wear respiratory gear against the choking stench

On Wednesday, as the dead cats were being removed and the living felines were being taken to the shelter for medical treatment.

Deputies had to wear respiratory gear against the choking stench.