Authorities rescued over 100 cats from three unsanitary homes in Queens and the Bronx on Thursday, August 6, 2026, according to the ASPCA.
The ASPCA took custody of the cats after their owners surrendered the animals, recognizing an inability to care for the escalating number of felines.
Among the rescued animals were tiny kittens and pregnant cats, all found in what authorities described as filthy conditions. Following initial medical examinations, the cats are being transported to the ASPCA's recovery facility in Ohio for necessary treatment before being made available for adoption.
Elizabeth Brandler, vice president of ASPCA Cruelty Response, stated that the organization has observed an increase in large-scale animal hoarding and neglect cases in New York recently. She noted that ASPCA teams are working to provide essential sheltering, medical care, behavioral treatment, legal support, and safety net services to assist both animals and pet owners.
"When animals are in need, the ASPCA goes there," Brandler said in a statement.
This operation is part of a broader effort by the ASPCA, in partnership with the NYPD, which has led to the rescue of more than 300 at-risk animals, primarily cats, across the city's five boroughs. Previous incidents include the rescue of 27 neglected animals from a Brooklyn apartment in June, which led to charges against one resident. In July, nearly 40 cats were removed from a Queens apartment following an eviction, with nine deceased felines discovered at the scene.