Dozens of Animals Rescued from Unsafe Niagara Falls Residence

Authorities in Niagara Falls rescued over 35 animals from a home on Ontario Avenue Wednesday morning, uncovering what officials described as unsafe and unsanitary living conditions for both humans and animals.

Shortly after 10:30am, Niagara Falls Police and city Code Enforcement officers arrived at 1352 Ontario Avenue to investigate reports of people illegally occupying a condemned residence. The squatters were allegedly using a propane-powered generator inside the building, which is extremely dangerous.

Officials said the property had been officially condemned since February 2024. The homeowner is reportedly living out of state and has neglected the property for some time.

Upon entering the structure, officers and code inspectors discovered dozens of animals living inside, including several that were dead. In total, 35 cats and kittens, along with one dog, were found.

Animal welfare workers from the Niagara SPCA, with assistance from the Erie County SPCA, carefully removed the animals and transported them to a shelter for medical treatment. Many of the cats, particularly the kittens, were suffering from respiratory and eye infections, according to SPCA.

The rescued animals are now under veterinary care and, once healthy, will be available for adoption. Meanwhile, Niagara Falls Police and SPCA investigators have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the animals' condition and how they came to be in the condemned building.

Dozens of Animals Rescued from Unsafe Niagara Falls Residence