43 sick cats rescued from scorching hot van in Newburgh

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A total of 43 sick cats are receiving veterinary care after they were rescued from dangerous hoarding conditions inside a scorching hot parked van in Newburgh on Friday, according to Hudson Valley SPCA officials. SPCA Humane law enforcement officials say they obtained a search warrant to enter the van, which was parked at Kohl’s on Route 300. Officials say the animals were “lethargic” and that the temperature inside the van was recorded at 119 degrees. “They were mostly too tired to run away. Most of them were very dehydrated and lethargic,” says Matt Hughes, with the Hudson Valley SPCA. Officials say the van had no air-conditioning, and that the 67-year-old female owner had the windows rolled down with screens covering the openings. The animals were soaked in urine and feces and did not have access to water or litter boxes, according to rescuers. Authorities say the rescue was prompted by information received from two veterinary professionals who reported suspected mistreatment of the cats. Several cats seized were pregnant and one gave birth the evening they were rescued, according to officials. Rescuers say the owner was living inside the van and present when the animals were seized. She has not been charged with any wrongdoing. The case remains under investigation by the SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Division and Town of Newburgh police. “She was definitely upset about us taking the cats,” Huges says. “She didn’t see an issue with the conditions of how her or the cats were living but hopefully now she can get the help she needs as well.” The animals were found with various medical conditions and are being quarantined while in the care of the Hudson Valley SPCA. “There’s an extreme financial burden with this. It’s going to be thousands of dollars to get everyone medically cleared and fixed, and healthy to get into good, caring homes,” says Huges. Rescuers say anyone unable to care for their pets during the extreme heat should contact their local SPCA or pet rescue group for assistance. If you’d like to donate to their care visit the SPCA website . Tips to keep pets safe during the heat . "