Police find 300 cats in freezers

SACRAMENTO, May 5 (UPI) -- A Sacramento man faces criminal charges after police searched his home and found at least 300 dead cats in his freezers, authorities said.

Michael Parnell, 46, also known as Michael Vondueren, was charged with possessing an assault weapon and obstructing an officer when he was arrested, KXTV, Sacramento, reported.

. Police Sgt. Jim Hose said authorities entered the home obecause of concern for the well-being of the Parnell's 81-year-old mother.

Three over-sized freezers in the foul-smelling home contained the bodies of cats and kittens, police said.

Parnell's mother was taken to an undisclosed location and the house was locked shut by city officials, KXTV said.

Sacramento City Animal Care Services senior officer Pete Alarcon said about 20 live catgs were removed by animal control officials and some of the animals underwent veterinary examinations.