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Massive animal hoarding case 'setting the standards' for future pet rescues

WESTMORELAND CO., Pa. — Nearly 100 animals have been in the care of a local shelter for 18 months after a horrible case of hoarding.

There were 97 survivors from one of the worst hoarding cases All But Furgotten Animal Rescue has ever tackled – 67 cats, 30 dogs, a deer and a turtle.

The conditions inside Yvonne and Richard Klochak's Westmoreland County home in March 2018 were described as disgusting.

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"We had people going out and getting sick," said humane officer Cassie Wilson. "The cat litter boxes had mounds and mounds of feces and paper towels in them."

Fast-forward 18 months, and every single animal is still at the rescue being cared for on the shelter's dime. The legal process is preventing the animals from being adopted sooner.

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After a criminal and civil court battle, the Klochaks pleaded guilty and were ordered to pay $260,000 plus $1,300 a day to the shelter to care for all 97 animals.

The shelter said they will never see that money, but they did set a legal precedent.

"We're setting the standards for other rescues and other large hoarding events in Westmoreland County. Now there's a law to follow," Wilson said.

Now each cat rescued is ready to find their forever home.