Feral Cats Remain Trapped in Redford Township Home Awaiting Animal Control Action

According to Redford Township Police, the home is in "deplorable condition," and residents have noted the overwhelming smell emanating from it. Neighbor Martez Moore expressed concern, stating, "It's kind of hard to really want to invite company over when you've got a smell and flies."

Police records indicate that neighbors first notified animal control about the situation back in June 2025, but little was done at that time. Moore mentioned, "When I called animal control last year, there wasn't much they could do. Pretty much just took a name and some information and just kind of kept it moving … I think this time, once they got a peek on the inside, they kind of knew what time it was."

The homeowner, who had been sleeping in his car, voluntarily accompanied officers on Thursday for a medical evaluation and is currently in the hospital. Video recorded by neighbors showed emergency responders, animal control, and firefighters entering the home in hazmat suits but exiting without the cats due to the overwhelming smell of ammonia from cat urine. Firefighters broke windows and used fans to ventilate the home, while a contractor installed screens around the broken windows.

Animal control plans to allow the home to air out until Monday before attempting to rescue the cats. Laura Wilhelm-Bruzek from Paws for the Cause Feral Cat Rescue was able to provide food and water on Friday but cannot assist with the rescue until animal control gives permission. She urged animal control to collaborate with organizations like hers, stating, "You don't leave neglect survivors behind... If you can't get them out, why aren't you calling organizations like mine that can help you get them out?"

Michigan Humane has stated its readiness to assist, affirming its role as the contracted animal holding facility for the township. Neighbor Paula Mullan worried about the cats' well-being, saying, "I hope animal control can get here soon enough to save some of them, if they're savable. I don't even know if they've lived in that situation for so long, how long, if they are savable."

Once the cats are rescued, a building inspector will assess the property's condition to determine whether it can be repaired or needs demolition.