A North Port man faces 35 counts of animal cruelty.
The sheriff’s office has accused 60-year-old Andrew Gerberich of failing to provide enough food, water, and medical care for 35 cats in his home.
Animal Services responded last week to a welfare check on White Ibis Drive.
The fire department provided information showing several cats living in deplorable conditions.
Officers found waste and garbage scattered throughout the home. They had to use face masks to enter, and they could only remain inside for short periods of time.
Of the 35 cats inside, nine of the them had died.
The sheriff’s office says Gerberich surrendered the remaining cats to Animal Services.
He told investigators he acquired them while serving as a cat rescue, but financial struggles put him in a position where he could no longer care for them.