Woman charged after her 96-year-old father is found living in filthy house infested with upto 700 rats
Law enforcement arrested a Southern California woman after
discovering her 96-year-old father living in a contaminated house
infested with over 700 rats.
Catherine Ann Vandermaesen, 65, was arrested on suspicion of felony elder abuse and animal neglect, according to a press release from the Ventura County Sheriff's Department, People reports. Catherine Ann Vandermaesen, 65, was
arrested on suspicion of felony elder abuse and animal neglect. (Ventura
County Sheriff's Office)
The Ventura County Adult Protective Services (APS) summoned
authorities on March 13, who said Vandermaesen was initially “suspected
of not properly caring for her 74-year old sister,” per the news
release. However, deputies realized the problem ran deeper than
previously suspected after having a conversation with the two sisters.
“Once the deputies made contact with Vandermaesen and her sister,
they did not want deputies to enter the residence, and insisted all
occupants at the location were fine,” the statement continues. “When the
deputies requested to see their 96-year-old father, both daughters said
they would bring him out in a wheelchair, but refused to allow deputies
access into their residence.” A sheriff's task force returned the
following day after authorities suspected the home's living conditions
were inexcusable.(Ventura County Sheriff's Office)
A sheriff's task force returned the following day after authorities suspected the home's living conditions were inexcusable.
“As deputies responded to the residence, the ammonia smell associated
with urine was detected 20 feet from the residence,” the statement
reads. “Once the task force had assessed the overall situation, they
learned that Vandermaesen had allowed her elderly father to reside in
conditions not fit for human living and willfully caused or permitted
the health of her elderly father to suffer under the specific living
conditions noted on scene.”
Animal Control estimated that "200 to 700
wild rats were still loose and residing within the two bedrooms
dwelling, walls, garage and garbage located throughout the
residence."(Ventura County Sheriff's Office)
Rescuers had to remove eight dogs, a cat, a parrot, two rabbits, and
55 pet rats from the home, with Animal Control estimating “another 200
to 700 wild rats were still loose and residing within the two bedrooms
dwelling, walls, garage and garbage located throughout the residence.”
Vandermaesen's elderly father and her 74-year-old sister, a "possible
victim", were rushed to a nearby hospital via ambulance. While
Vandermaesen has been released on bond after being arrested on suspicion
of felony elder abuse and misdemeanor animal neglect, she is now set to
appear in court on April 2.
That said, both the father and sister have been taken under the care
of Ventura County Adult Protection Services, who helped them secure a
temporary housing arrangement.
1 comment:
Oh my gosh, I can't imagine 700 rats. I read many were pet. They might have all been in a way. Please continue to post on this story NASGA.
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