More than 100 cats were removed from three unsanitary homes in Queens and The Bronx on Thursday, according to authorities. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) took custody of the animals after overwhelmed pet owners voluntarily surrendered them, acknowledging their inability to provide proper care.

The animals seized included kittens and several pregnant cats. Following rescue, all the cats underwent medical examinations and are being transferred to the ASPCA’s recovery facility in Ohio for further treatment before being made available for adoption.

Photos released by the ASPCA showed veterinary staff administering vaccinations and monitoring the cats’ vital signs. Elizabeth Brandler, the organization’s vice president of cruelty response, said the agency has observed an increase in large-scale animal hoarding and neglect cases in New York in recent months.

Brandler emphasized that the ASPCA teams work diligently to deliver essential shelter, medical care, behavioral therapy, and legal support to both animals and pet owners in crisis. The organization also assists with investigations and prosecutions when necessary to hold perpetrators accountable.

“The ASPCA has seen an uptick in requests to assist with large-scale animal hoarding and neglect situations across New York in recent months, and our teams are working tirelessly to provide critical sheltering, medical care, behavioral treatment and enrichment, legal and investigative support, and safety-net services to help animals and pet owners in need,” Brandler said.

She added, “We’re grateful to be in a position where we can mobilize at a moment’s notice to ensure the safety of vulnerable animals and, when appropriate, support investigative and prosecutorial efforts to hold animal abusers accountable. When animals are in need, the ASPCA goes there.”