Wildwood, Mo. – A quiet neighborhood on Country Trails Court in Wildwood, Missouri, became the scene of a disturbing discovery as authorities found over 130 cats living in a 6,000-square-foot home. The house, which once belonged to the Haydon family, had been the subject of growing concern among relatives who had been kept away for years.
Carolyn Haydon, who grew up in the home but now resides in Virginia, had long suspected something was wrong. She and her siblings had been prevented from visiting their elderly parents, who were reportedly under the influence of another individual living with them.
“We’ve been worried for a long time about their mental health and the state of the house,” Haydon explained. “The person living with them claimed the home was her ‘safe space’ and refused to allow us inside.”
In May 2023, Haydon began contacting Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services, urging them to check on her parents’ well-being. However, her efforts were met with limited success.
“I was told that they had gone to the house several times, knocked, and visited, but no one answered,” Haydon said.
Outside the home, there were visible signs of neglect—overgrown grass, a stack of tires, and an abandoned back porch.
Tragically, on August 22, Haydon learned through a family friend that her mother had passed away. Unable to confirm the news directly, she resorted to calling local funeral homes. This led to her finally gaining access to the house, which prompted swift action from the authorities.
“Within hours, a warrant was issued to enter the house,” Haydon recounted.
St. Louis County Animal Control officials were soon on the scene, where they began the difficult task of counting and rescuing the cats. By the time of this report, more than 130 cats had been found, with officials continuing to search for additional animals.
The situation raises questions about why intervention did not occur sooner. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, when contacted, stated, “We cannot confirm or deny that we have any reports at that address due to confidentiality, but Adult Protective Services does not perform welfare checks. Those are conducted by local law enforcement.”
The St. Louis County Police also responded, stating, “Our department does perform welfare checks. In 2023, a Wildwood precinct officer made multiple attempts to gain entry into the residence but was refused by the residents.”
Reflecting on the situation, Haydon expressed her hope that this experience could lead to improved protections for the elderly.
“I don’t want this to happen to another family,” she said, voicing her concern for others who might find themselves in a similar situation.
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