96-year-old Man Found Among Rats In California

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

Ventura County, California, authorities revealed the shocking discovery of a 96-year-old man who lived abandoned among feces, animals, garbage and more than 700 rats in a rural home. Now authorities are accusing her daughter, Catherine Ann Vandermaesen, 65, of being responsible for the incredible abuse case.

According to reports last Wednesday, the woman prevented county authorities from making a visit to check on the condition of her elderly father. The refusal was reported to the local sheriff's office, who the next day took action on the matter and visited the home located in the tiny town of Ojai, northwest of Los Angeles.

What was discovered there was incredible: the police found hundreds of rats, garbage, feces and a strong smell of urine as well as garbage throughout the house, according to a statement released by the AP agency.

In total, the authorities found 8 dogs, 2 rabbits, a cat and 55 domesticated rats that were immediately evicted from the home. Likewise, the health authorities were called to the house where it is estimated that there would be "between 200 and 700 rats" living in the interior.

"Vandermaesen purposely allowed or caused his elderly father's health to be affected," by allowing him to live in the house, officials said. The house, they assured, "was totally uninhabitable and a danger to its occupants and animals."

Officials sent the elderly man and one of his 74-year-old daughters to a hospital, who also lived in the house, regarding the latter as a "potential victim" of abuse.

Vandermaesen was turned over to authorities and her father, who requires a wheelchair to get around, was placed in the custody of county family services. She and her 74-year-old daughter will both receive temporary housing through Ventura County services.

The suspect now faces charges of elder abuse and a minor charge of animal abandonment.