Over 50 cats and kittens seized from a breeder in Irvine

On Tuesday afternoon, Animal Services Officers visited a home on Garnet Street after receiving a tip about numerous cats living there. The officers found more than 50 kittens and cats inside the residence, acording to the Irvine Police Department.

The female resident was breeding Ragdoll and British Shorthair cats and selling them for up to $1,000. Some of the cats appeared malnourished, and others showed signs of poor health.

Animal Services Officers worked with the breeder, who released the cats to the care of the Irvine Animal Care Center (IACC). IACC staff immediately began providing the cats with the necessary care and medical treatment.

The Irvine Police Department will provide an update on their social media and ask people not to call the Irvine Animal Care Center to inquire about these cats. As they become available for adoption, the cats will be posted to the Irvine Animal Care Center website at irvineanimals.org/adopt. The Irvine Police Department thanks the staff and volunteers at IACC for the loving and compassionate care they are providing to the animals.

The case remains under investigation, and Irvine Animal Services is working closely with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Animal Services Supervisor Hope Darrow at Hdarrow@cityofirvine.org.