VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Authorities say 42 cats, three dogs and a snapping turtle have been taken from the home of an elderly woman in Vancouver.

A Clark County animal protection officer, Dennis J. Davidson, says many cats were in cages several inches deep in feces, and many were lethargic, skinny and ailing from infections.

The animals were taken to the Humane Society for checkups. Neither the woman nor her son and caretaker was arrested.

Davidson says neighbors complained for about two years of cats from the house messing in their yards, but the woman would not let anyone inside.

Then, about 10 days ago, Fire Department emergency personnel were summoned because the woman had a medical problem. The medics reported a stench from cat waste and said they saw dead cats, and a warrant was issued.

 Also: Hillsboro rabbit hoarder banned from owning pets

Woman accused of dumping mom's dog & sister's cat at shelter