Three Galesburg residents face charges including animal hoarding and cruel treatment of animals after city workers discovered 30 to 40 cats in deplorable conditions inside a boarded-up home.
The discovery occurred Dec. 15, 2025, in the 1900 block of East Main Street while city employees were conducting a walkthrough to board up the residence, which had been deemed unfit for human occupancy. The house was covered in feces, and the strong smell of ammonia filled the air.
The Knox County Humane Society was called to assist with the animals, which ranged from adult cats to kittens, many of them malnourished. Two deceased cats were also found in the home.
The three former residents of the property have been cited with cruel treatment of companion animals and animal hoarding. Their next court date is set for 9 a.m. Feb. 11.
