WATERLOO - Animal control officers seized a number of cats from a dilapidated house Friday and planned to visit two other houses connected with the resident to check the welfare of animals there.

Barry Stratton, Waterloo's chief code enforcement officer, said there were about 70 cats at the two-story house at 311 E. First St.

He said the building, which doesn't have electrical or water utilities, was filled with bird and feline feces and contained a number of dead cats and pigeons.

Stratton, along with animal control officers, went inside briefly and captured some of the animals, but were forced out because of the smell, which was evident from down the street.

About 17 cats were caged in the first sweep, and animal control workers began setting live traps near the back door to lure more out.

The resident, who is buying the house on contract, declined to talk to The Courier but briefly said the animals were well taken care of.

He said he kept them in the house because he couldn't get a place in the country. He and another man watched as the cats were loaded into carriers and put in a van.

The buyer won't be cited because he voluntarily let officials seize the cats, said David Zellhoefer, assistant city attorney. He said the buyer fed the cats and occasionally stayed at the house.

Other residents had complained to Animal Control, and Stratton became concerned when he noticed the smell and found some structural problems.

Stratton said he had been trying to contact the buyer and had planned to seek a search warrant when Animal Control officials noticed the buyer was at the property when they passed by Friday.

The house may have to be demolished because of health concerns, Stratton said.

Stratton said officials plan to check the conditions at a house on the 400 block of Fowler Street that is in the buyer's name and another home in the 200 block of Cottage Grove Avenue associated with him.