Dozens of feral cats rescued from abandoned North Las Vegas home

North Las Vegas Animal Protection Services removed nearly 20 feral cats from a severely damaged home on Turtleback Drive, highlighting ongoing concerns about animal hoarding and abandonment in the Las Vegas valley.
Discovery and rescue operation
The situation came to light after tenants were evicted from the home near Ann Road and Camino al Norte last week, leaving an estimated 30 to 100 cats behind according to various neighbor reports. For years, residents in the area had observed dozens of cats roaming the streets, all originating from the same property.
“I was like it might be something worse than I thought, but I mean, from what I saw, they just took out cats, after cats, after cats,” said neighbor Efrain Salgado.
North Las Vegas Animal Protection Services were initially notified about the abandoned cats on July 19th, but legal constraints prevented officers from entering the property until Wednesday, July 23rd. During the rescue operation, APS officers collected 17 feral cats from inside the home, including four nursing kittens. Tragically, one kitten was found dead.
Devastating living conditions
The conditions inside the home shocked neighbors and officials alike. The property, which was sold in June and acquired by a property management company, sustained an estimated $70,000 in damage from the animal hoarding situation.
“It was amazing how they were living in there because the house is completely destroyed, I saw poop of cats piled up like on the tables,” Salgado described. “I don’t know how they lived in there, but it was very, I want to say, disturbing, because you don’t really expect people, they don’t seem like that type of people, but I guess it was, it was that bad.”
The cats were found without food or water, many showing signs of illness from the unsanitary conditions.
Ongoing challenges
Despite the initial rescue, the situation remains complex. After officers secured the home and removed the cats found inside, approximately a dozen cats are estimated to still be roaming the property and surrounding neighborhood. The open windows and doors during the rescue operation allowed several other cats to escape freely.
Animal Protection Services has left food and water outside the secured home for the remaining cats while continuing efforts to capture them safely.
“Earlier in the morning, before I left to work, I saw on the big one he tried to get in the house, but there is no more access in the house, so yeah, it might be around here somewhere,” Salgado observed.
Impact on neighbors
The cat population has been affecting the entire neighborhood for years. “They are in everyone’s yard, back-and-forth. If I leave my garage open, they will come in there,” said neighbor Charles Smith.
The community has been dealing with cats entering their properties, with some animals being friendly while others remain wary of human contact. The situation has created ongoing concerns about property damage, health risks, and the welfare of the animals themselves.
Legal framework and penalties
This case highlights the serious legal consequences of animal abandonment and hoarding in Nevada. Recent legislative changes have strengthened penalties for such cases:
- The City of Las Vegas recently increased penalties for animal abandonment to $1,000, the maximum allowed under state law
- Nevada’s “Reba’s Law” has enhanced penalties for animal cruelty, making willful and malicious violations a Category B felony if an animal dies
- Animal hoarding cases can result in felony charges, with penalties ranging from one to four years in prison
Community resources and prevention
North Las Vegas works closely with The Animal Foundation’s Community Cat Program to address feral cat populations through humane trapping, spaying/neutering, vaccination, and return programs. However, Animal Protection Services officers only respond to calls regarding sick or injured cats or kittens, not healthy strays.
The incident underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and the availability of resources for pet owners who can no longer care for their animals, including:
- The Animal Foundation (Nevada’s largest shelter)
- Nevada SPCA community support programs
- Local rescue organizations
- Pet surrender services rather than abandonment
Broader implications
This case reflects a growing concern about animal hoarding in the Las Vegas area. Earlier this year, animal rights advocates rallied for stricter penalties in another local case involving a couple accused of hoarding over 100 animals in their Boulder City home.
City officials emphasize that resources exist for pet owners facing difficulties. “Take it to the Animal Foundation. We have the Nevada SPCA. We also have rescues. Do not abandon your animal because there is steep fines for it,” Las Vegas City Councilwoman Victoria Seaman has stated regarding similar cases.
The North Las Vegas incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of uncontrolled animal breeding and the importance of spay/neuter programs in preventing such situations. Both North Las Vegas and the City of Las Vegas have mandatory spay/neuter ordinances requiring all dogs and cats to be altered.
As the rescued cats receive medical care and rehabilitation through local animal welfare organizations, the community continues working to address the remaining feral population while preventing future incidents through education and enforcement of animal welfare laws.
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Category: Local News
Subcategory: Crime & Safety
Date: 07/25/2025