According to the ARL, the smell of urine was overwhelming. All of the cats and kittens, as well as the home itself, were dirty with urine and feces. Nearly all of the animals are suffering from severe upper respiratory infections. ARL reports that some of the kittens' eyes were matted shut and they were struggling to breath. All of the animals were covered with fleas and ear mites. One of the kitten was severely malnourished and dehydrated. She didn't survive the day, despite critical care treatment from the rescue's medical team. Several of the cats and kittens appear to be infected with ringworm, which means that all of the cats and kittens will need to be quarantined in order to reduce the risk of infection to other animals.
The ARL is in the process of transferring several of the cats to other rescue organizations and shelters, including Ames Animal Shelter, Animal Rescue of Carroll, the Boone County Humane Society, Cedar Bend Humane Society, and Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center.
It's not clear from the initial reports about the home owner or the circumstances that lead to this incident of several animal neglect, but I will keep monitoring for more informaiton.