At least nine cats were rescued from an apartment complex in Lee County on Sunday after neighbors reported the pets were not receiving proper care.
"We came together as a community, that's why we did get them rescued," Michele Reidy, one of the neighbors, said.
The situation unfolded over the weekend after neighbors at an apartment complex in Iona discovered the animals living in unsanitary conditions following their owner's eviction.
"The door was cracked, it's disgusting," Ryan Lucht, next-door neighbor, said. "It just looks like squatters have been in there, and it's only been one person with a bunch of animals."
A report from Lee County claims deputies found the cats surrounded by feces, both fresh and old, and without access to food or water after being abandoned by their owner.
"It's heartbreaking," said Reidy. "Takes a toll on you, because it's so sad.
Most of the cats were taken by Lee County Domestic Animal Services, except for one named Cleo, who found a new home with Lucht.
"I'm not a cat- I'm a dog guy," he said. "So, I was going to get a little puppy, but I couldn't. It broke my heart. This cat came into my apartment. It was just, it's a cute, cute cat."
As of Monday, the apartment remains filthy, with eviction notices still plastered to the door.
Meanwhile, the former resident and owner is nowhere to be found.
"My concern is that she should not be able to get away with this, and it has to stop at some point," Reidy said.
No charges have been filed related to this incident as of now.
A county spokesperson told WINK News its report includes all the information it can release at this time.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office said it cannot confirm any current or pending investigations.
Reidy said she had last seen the resident two days ago. Lucht said he last saw her on Monday morning trying to sneak into the apartment through an unlocked patio screen door.
"She does probably have a heart for animals, because she's wanted to bring in so many, but it was the wrong way to do it," Lucht said.
WINK News is committed to updating the community as more information becomes available.