RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after sheriff's deputies responded to a residence in Nickerson on April 11 to check the welfare of animals.
Deputies found the home had several cats, dogs and other animals inside the house, according to a media release from the Hutchinson Animal Shelter. Deputies were unable to to contact someone at the home. Deputies contacted other family members to find the residents.
On April 12, deputies began working with the Reno County Attorney's office, the Human Society of the United States and several other animal shelters in an attempt to find placement for the animals when the time was necessary.
Ultimately a resident exited the home to talk with deputies. A search warrant was served and with assistance of the Hutchinson Animal Shelter, 49 animals were removed from the home. The animals are being treated for upper respiratory sickness and evaluated for other illness.
Some animals were microchipped and their owners will be contacted.
The sheriff asks anyone with missing pets to contact the Hutchinson Animal Shelter, 1 dog, 20 cats; Kingman Animal Shelter, 4 dogs, 2 chinchillas, and 1 rabbit; Golden Belt Humane Society Great Bend, 13 cats and Pratt Area Humane Society 8 cats. Photos of your pet are required to confirm identity.