29 cats found trapped in van during extreme heat in Mason City

MASON CITY, Iowa — Twenty-nine cats were rescued after being trapped in a van in extreme heat in Mason City on Monday.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa assisted the Mason City Police Department with rescuing the cats. The ARL said when rescue crews arrived on scene the temperature outside was in the 90s, making the temperature inside the van life-threatening.

According to the ARL, the cats didn’t have access to food or water, and tests also showed that the ammonia levels inside were dangerously high.

The cats were transported to the shelter in Des Moines for treatment. The ARL said two of the cats had something wrapped around their necks, causing deep painful wounds. Some of the cats also hade upper respiratory and eye infections.

Mason City Police arrested 64-year-old Andres Enrique Guilartes Martinez in connection to the case. He has been charged with three counts of animal neglect.

Those who would like to donate to help the cats can do so by visiting the ARL’s website .

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