Cat hoarding suspect, 70, arrested

More than 30 cats removed from home in July

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. – A 70-year-old woman who had more than 30 cats removed from her Neptune Beach home in July was arrested Friday.

Edith Alcorn is charged with cruelty to animals. She was released on $20,000 bond.

The cats are gone and Alcorn's house was condemned, and neighbors in the area say they're glad something was done.

"It's kind of different and shocking to open your front door, open your window and see five, six cop cars out here," said Adam Misiszek, who lives across the street. "We never really seem to have a problem."

Police said the cats were living in filthy and unsanitary conditions. They said Alcorn (pictured, right) failed to provide them with sufficient food and water.

Misiszek said this whole ordeal has been a shock to the entire neighborhood.

"We didn't know much about it," he said. "We have three dogs ourselves, me and my three roommates, so we of course love animals, take good care of animals. So it's shocking to hear something like that, that someone can live in a house with animals not being taken care of."

In July, police made a welfare check on Alcorn and found the disturbing living conditions -- feces everywhere, no air conditioning and dozens of malnourished, sick cats. The cats were taken to various shelters around the city, where most of them have fully recovered and are up for adoption.

Misiszek said he's glad the cats are OK and hopes everything works out for Alcorn.

"She seemed to have it a little out of control with that many animals in one house, and you want the safety of the animals first and obviously the safety of her and others that were in the house," he said. "I'm sure it wasn't very good."

Neighbors said Alcorn had the cats for years. They said the smell emanating from the home was horrible.

One neighbor said Alcorn comes by every now and then, but neighbors think she is currently staying in a hotel.

Alcorn did not return a call for comment.