Woman Arrested For House Filled With Animals, Feces

DELTONA, Fla. -- Animal control officers in Volusia County cleaned out a house Wednesday that was packed with cats, dogs and animal feces. The homeowner of the house on 9th Street in Deltona was arrested.

Strange News Photos (LEFT) STRANGE PHOTOSView 99 PHOTOS of Strange News Neighbors who complained about the smell tipped off investigators. Animal control officers had to wear respirators to go into the house to avoid being overcome by the odor.

Officers said nearly 50 cats were found in cages that were stacked on top of each other. The cages were lined with inches of feces.

Suspect Linda Castillo 092805 Linda Castillo "She's got cats sitting on top of cats, sitting on top of cats in cages," said Officer Kathy Frick, Deltona Animal Control.

They also removed 16 dogs and a bird.

In some cases, the animals' fur was so matted with feces that officers could not tell if it was a cat or a dog until they cleaned it. Most of the animals were sick and many won't survive.

"I don't know how anybody can live in conditions that that. It's bad. You walk in there and it will start burning your eyes," said Officer Richard Lovett, Deltona Animal Control.

The owner of the house, 63-year-old Linda Castillo, was arrested Wednesday afternoon. She was charged with cruelty to animals, a third-degree felony, and confinement without sufficient food, water and exercise, a misdemeanor.

Several animal control officers had to be treated for scratches from the animals with infection being a big concern. The dogs and cats were transferred to the Halifax Humane Society where they will be cleaned up and treated.