Someone could face criminal charges after 15 cats were found dead inside a Michigan home.
The Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter shared in a Facebook post on Friday, Jan. 24, that its officers executed a search warrant at a home in Lansing after receiving a complaint of “cats living in unsanitary conditions.”
In addition to officers finding the 15 dead cats, six other cats were discovered alive in the home. All the animals were removed from the home and taken to the Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter.
The organization noted that the half a dozen cats that were found still alive were “undergoing medical evaluations” and would “receive necessary medical care.” It did not say what kind of conditions the cats were found living in or what kind of ailments the cats found alive may have had.
The Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter said that its officers would submit “a report requesting criminal charges to the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office.” The organization also asked that people who “see or suspect” animal cruelty, report it to their offices by contacting them or submitting a complaint on their website.
According to Michigan lawkilling or torturing animals in the first degree is considered “a felony” and could lead to jail time of 10 years or less, a fine of $5,000 and community service.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The incident comes as shelters and pet hospitals in Michigan, including Woodhaven Animal Hospital and Romulus Animal Shelter, reported seeing a rise in animal abuse cases.
“Generally a month doesn’t go by, even a couple weeks doesn’t go by and we’re dealing with some form of abuse or neglect,” Dr. Lucretia Greear with Woodhaven Animal Hospital told WXYZ-TV.
Romulus Animal Control Officer Rachel Ohneck also noted to the outlet that she has seen an uptick of animals being brought in for “malnourishment” since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A lot of people haven’t come and claimed their dogs even when they’re microchipped,” she said. “Financially, I don’t think people can afford their animals anymore.”
“I think a lot of people got new pets because of COVID-19 and feeling like they had time and then with the economy and everything and just the expense,” she continued. “The reality of having these animals kind of set in and then people realized you know what, maybe this isn’t a good idea.”
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings