Albuquerque arrest leads to rescue of over 100 cats

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The arrest of a wanted felon led to the rescue of over 100 cats following an investigation in Albuquerque.

The Albuquerque Police Department arrested a wanted felon and assisted in rescuing over 100 cats following an investigation that led to a detached garage fire near the Loma Linda Community Center.

Officers responded Tuesday to a suspicious vehicle blocking an alley near Ross Avenue and Cornell Drive. They detained Christopher Hart, who they say initially refused to identify himself. They later confirmed his identity and found he had three felony warrants for residential burglary, receiving stolen property and probation violation and a misdemeanor battery warrant.

Officers arrested Hart was arrested and towed his vehicle. They returned the next day, Wednesday, to check on an old bus associated with Hart. That’s when they smelled a “foul odor” and found “a large number” of distressed cats inside.

At least one cat was found dead. Officers reached out to a resident at the home who said the bus and cats belonged to Hart’s girlfriend who he declined to identify. They also found cats entering detached garage there and called Animal Control.

While Animal Control officers gathered the animals, a fire started inside the detached garage. Officers hadn’t entered the backyard before the fire started. APD officers evacuated nearby homes while Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded.

The fire destroyed the garage and a parked vehicle. According to APD, “no human or animal injuries were reported.”

Animal Welfare secured more than 100 cats from the scene. They also found four kittens that were being bottle-fed. They were transferred to Route 66 Emergency for specialized care.

Animal Welfare is housing the rescued cats at its Westside Animal Shelter. They’re receiving medical evaluations and treatment.

Initial evaluations showed most of the cats were thin and showed signs of upper respiratory issues. Several are suffering from eye injuries or damage. They believed around “10-20 additional cats” haven’t been caught but AWD is working to secure them.

The animal welfare case is being handled under probable cause with an unknown owner. The people at the scene weren’t the owners of the bus or the animals. That investigation is ongoing.

“Our top priority is the health and recovery of these 100 cats,” said Animal Welfare Director Carolyn Ortega. “They are safe at our Westside shelter receiving urgent veterinary care. We are grateful to APD and our AWD Animal Protection Officers for getting them out of a neglectful situation.”

Code Enforcement secured the residence. AFR is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

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