Catskill: 100+ Cats Rescued, 2 Charged in Animal Cruelty Case

Key points

• Catskill Police received a tip on Oct. 22, 2026, regarding an apartment on North St. with unknown numbers of cats in poor conditions.
• Officers executed a search warrant and found 'extremely unsanitary and unsafe' conditions for both residents and animals.
• Kayla Hackett, 38, and Barry Mower, 42, were arrested and charged with multiple counts of overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals under Agriculture & Markets Law.
• The residence was condemned by local authorities due to severe property conditions.
• Rescued animals were transported for veterinary exams and will be distributed to shelters and rescue organizations for temporary housing and care.

Background

This incident follows a pattern of high-profile animal welfare crises in 2026, including the Arcadia child abuse case involving surrogacy and the Albuquerque apartment explosion. While unrelated in cause, these events highlight ongoing scrutiny of residential safety and welfare standards in multi-occupant housing.

How outlets are covering it

WRGB and Daily Freeman report over 100 cats were rescued, while WNYT specifies 96 cats and one dog in a 900-square-foot apartment. All sources agree on the arrests of Hackett and Mower and the involvement of multiple animal welfare groups, including the Columbia-Greene Humane Society and Animal Kind. WNYT notes that adoption fees are waived through Oct. 31, a detail not mentioned by the other outlets.

Why it matters

The case underscores the intersection of public health, animal welfare, and housing safety. The condemnation of the property and the multi-agency rescue effort highlight the resources required to address severe neglect in residential settings, while the waived adoption fees aim to facilitate the reintegration of the animals into permanent homes.

What to watch

Hackett and Mower will appear in court as per their appearance tickets. The rescued cats will undergo veterinary evaluation and be distributed among shelters and rescue organizations for temporary housing and continued care, with adoption fees waived through Oct. 31.