OTTUMWA, Iowa (KCRG) - A woman has been arrested after inspectors seized 43 cats from a house in Ottumwa.

The Ottumwa Police Department obtained a search warrant for a home on the 200 block of East Woodland Avenue following an animal hoarding investigation on October 2.

Officers discovered many cats in the home of various ages. Police say the home had “an offensive odor” on the inside and outside, and police determined the living conditions unsanitary and unsafe.

The City of Ottumwa Code Enforcement placarded the house.

The owner of the house, 77-year-old Suzette Kay Stocker, was arrested on 43 charges of animal cruelty. She is also facing charges of Sanitation of Premises and Number of Animals Restricted.

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