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Landlord Shocked By Squalid Conditions In Home
Police Remove Dozens Of Animals From Residence
POSTED: 3:59 pm EDT May 12, 2009UPDATED: 5:25 pm EDT May 12, 2009

CINCINNATI -- Two dozen animals were removed Monday from a Clifton Heights home after neighbors complained of a foul odor, and police found squalid conditions inside.
The resident still has not been located, and the home's owner said he was shocked by what his tenant left behind.
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"I can't believe it," said Don Scola. "You never dream of this stuff. There was nobody here, and they didn't tell me that they left or anything."
Scola said the woman identified herself as Wendy Hitsem, but no searches turned up anyone by that name anywhere in Ohio.
Police found 19 dogs, two birds and a cat left unattended inside the two-story, cottage-style home, and the stench from inside bothered neighbors outside.
"There was a complaint because they thought somebody had died in there," said neighbor Jen Lader. "It was that bad."
Veterinarians are examining the animals, which include some purebred bulldogs and Chihuahuas.
"Most of them are middle age to older that I've seen so far," said Dr. Tammy Goforth, of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
She said the animals generally were in good health, considering their living conditions.
Police have not said whether they intend to charge the tenant, if she is found.
Neighbors said they had not seen her in several days prior to the discovery of the animals.
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