96-year-old man found living with more than 700 rats and other animals

5years ago

Ojai news, California news.

A California woman has been arrested after police officers found her elderly father and sister living inside a rat infested home.

Catherine Ann Vandermaesen, 65, was imprisoned in suspicion of felony elder abuse and misdemeanor animal neglect following a welfare check to her father's house that revealed inhumane living conditions: Animal control determined that the home was infested by nearly 700 rats in addition to eight dogs, two rabbits, a cat and a parrot all living next to garbage and trash.

Upon her arrest, the County welfare authorities took care of Vandermaesen's father while her 74-year-old sister was transferred to hospital and will get temporary housing.

The home was described by Ojai authorities as "unlivable and a danger to the occupants and animals."