"These cats have had a horrible life, and they deserve a chance to live in a good home," said Kim Schoolcraft, Galveston County's animal services manager.

The cats, along with more than 80 dogs and 10 Australian marsupials called sugar gliders, were seized on Valentine's Day after animal-control officers investigating an anonymous tip said they found animals in deplorable conditions.

"Puppy mill" is a derisive term to describe a high-volume dog-breeding facility in which the animals are often confined in small cages and bred constantly until they can no longer do so. At that point, the adult animals are often killed, left to die or given to animal-rescue groups.

Schoolcraft said none of the animals were in danger of being euthanized, as she considered all of them to be adoptable.

"Two of the cats are a little hissy," she said. "One, in particular, will need someone with a lot of patience, but I'm not giving up on them."

One of the seized dogs also remained at the shelter, a Brussels Griffon that was suffering from a variety of ailments. Schoolcraft said the dog was recovering, however.

"She's eating, drinking and hoping for a new home," she said.

Another ended up back at the shelter. Schoolcraft said one adopter returned a dog, an adult with heartworms. Schoolcraft said she hoped to find a permanent home for that dog once it recovered.

The shelter also has new arrivals from the same spot as the original seizure. Last week, animal-control officers seized another five puppies from the Algoa property. One has since died of Parvo, a viral illness, officials said.

Schoolcraft said the other four pups were not yet up for adoption, as all four were receiving treatment for Parvo.

How To Help:
To make a donation or learn about adopting an animal, visit the Galveston County Animal Shelter, at 3412 North Loop 197 in Texas City.