Austin, Texas – A 27-year-old woman is accused of abandoning 15 cats in her Austin apartment, which was vacated in mid-January. According to the City of Austin, police charged Nayzak Najm with 13 counts of animal cruelty after finding the abandoned cats in the apartment; two of the cats did not survive and the remaining cats partially consumed those who had died.
According to the Austin Police Department the surviving cats were in “varying states of malnourishment.” One of the surviving cats was in such poor condition that humane euthanasia was the only option.
The authorities said: “Based on the evidence, APD Animal Cruelty Detectives filed 13 Class A misdemeanor charges, corresponding to 13 surviving cats associated with the case. Charges were not filed in relation to the two deceased cats due to the inability to determine their cause of death.”
Conditions inside the apartment were consistent with a hoarding situation.
In a news release, the police said:
APD reminds the community that abandoning animals is both illegal and inhumane. If individuals are unable to care for their animals, there are safe and responsible alternatives available, including contacting local animal shelters, rescue organizations, or seeking assistance from veterinary providers. Reaching out for help can ensure animals are placed in safe environments and receive the care they need.
independent investigations and reporting.
