Five cats that were rescued from what a Humane Society officer is calling one of the worst cases she has ever seen are recovering at a local animal shelter.

The survivors were found, along with 15 dead cats, living in “deplorable” conditions at a condemned Summit Hill home, Humane Society Police Officer Donna Crum said.

Crum received a call from a code enforcement officer on Jan. 10, being told that there could be between 30 and 40 cats on the premises at 43 W. Vernon St.

Originally limited in her capacity to take action before obtaining a warrant, she concentrated on trapping any survivors and getting them medical attention.

Crum described the home as “horrendous,” with so much clutter and debris that it was difficult to find the cats.

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Workers had to don Tyvek suits and masks when searching the home due to the smell and filth. As part of her investigation, Crum conducted a dusting, where the floor is dusted lightly to show traces of any animal movements.

“We were trying to preserve any bit of life we could find on that property,” Crum said. “We ended up finding five on the property, inside and out.”

A warrant was approved by the district attorney and filed at the district magistrate in Lansford on Monday, allowing Crum to conduct a more extensive search of the home.

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“Because of the extent of the charges that could be filed, we had to go through the DA,” Crum said.

Charges to responsible parties could include neglect, cruelty, and aggravated cruelty depending on the grading.

Crum said that the cats had likely been without food, water or care for months. Remains of an unknown number of cats were also found.

The surviving cats were taken to Carbon County Friends of Animals in Jim Thorpe for treatment as they were rescued.

“They had that horrific smell of the home, so we had to bathe them multiple times when they came in. Grayson received a shave-down because his fur was so knotted, the knots were down to his skin,” shelter manager Dana Dunbar said, pointing to a gray and white longhair.

Dunbar said that this case is one of the worst that the shelter has ever seen.

A large tuxedo cat named Coal had severe frostbite on his feet when he was taken in, and one cat, Mary, needs to be isolated from the rest due to her conditions.

“She’ll probably require an eye surgery to open her eyes, but we’re not sure until she gets seen by the veterinarian. She did come in with upper respiratory problems and a severe eye infection,” Dunbar said.

The cats have actually accommodated to the shelter with relative ease, and they appear to be on the road to recovery.

“They’re doing well,” Dunbar said. “They’re all super friendly. Thank goodness, none of them were not trusting of humans anymore. They all love attention, that’s all they want. Especially Coal and Dane, every time we come near, they’re rubbing their cages and they come to us. They love the fresh food and clean bedding.”

For the time being, the cats will remain in the care of the shelter workers, though they will be available for adoption in the future.

“People need to be aware that if you cannot afford your animals, reach out to a shelter,” she said. “Even though many are full, just stop in and see and what they suggest. Just don’t lock the door and leave them in there. It’s just horrible.”

Crum said that the investigation is ongoing, with a focus on interviewing anyone with any information on the home or the former occupants, whose names are not being released at the moment.

Anyone with any information on the case can contact Crum at 610-703-6588.