ROANOKE (WSLS) - In recent weeks there have been several cases of pets being seized from homes. In one case, authorities took 20 cats from a property in Botetourt County.
The former owner of the pets did not want to be identified but said they would never harm an animal.
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"I've always taken care of animals" they said. "I rescued animals."
Earlier this month Botetourt County Animal Control seized the 20 cats. According to court document, there is evidence the pets were not being properly cared for. Currently, the animals are in the care of Angels of Assisi. Volunteers said they've seen these types of cases before.
"It's hard because we don't get a lot of notice because all the animals come at one time and there is an unusually large number" said Lisa O'Neill, Executive Director of Angels of Assisi.
Botetourt County Animals Control said there is not a limit on the number of cats a person can have on a residential property but all the pets must have rabies shot. In Roanoke County, cat lovers can have up to 6 felines but at least 4 must be spayed or neutered. Roanoke City code also allows up to 6 cats as long as the owner can prove each cat has been spayed or neutered. Violations can lead to charges.
In the recent Botetourt County case, the former pet owner said a judge ordered them to pay close to $4,000 in restitution. They said they plan to appeal the decision and hope to get their four-legged friends back.