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Decomposing Woman's Body Found in Home With Cats, Dogs
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Dec. 16 — -- A New Mexico woman was found dead and severely decomposed among filth and feces with more than 30 cats in her home Thursday.
According to investigators, the woman owned 33 Burmese cats and four dogs. Police said that her body was found on the floor in the back room, and that it was so decomposed that dental records would be needed to identify the woman.
Her name was not released.
"We suspect that she may have been dead for four to five days, and was in a severe state of decomposition. And as a result you had a situation involving the animals that probably had access to her," said Deputy City Attorney Pete Dinelli.
Authorities said the pets were found in squalor. Police said there was a foot of filth and feces in every room, sinks were overflowing, and litter boxes could not be found.
"This is probably the most tragic case that I have seen in the four years that I have been doing this," Dinelli said. "There is spoiling food, there is trash, and again the circumstances surrounding this poor woman's death is very disheartening."
Authorities said the woman showed off the Burmese cats at shows. Many of the felines that were found Thursday were sick and taken to an animal shelter. At least nine cats, along with one dog, were pregnant.
Neighbors had no idea all the animals lived in the house, which has been declared a hazardous area.
"I am a bit surprised. I had seen cats in her yard, but I didn't know if they were hers or what," said neighbor Terri Gale. "There were always cats in my yard, but I didn't know whose they were."
Authorities believe the woman died of natural causes, but they are still awaiting autopsy results.
Reported by ABC News affiliate KOAT-TV in New Mexico.
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