Saint John SPCA investigating after 14 cats found inside crate

The Saint John SPCA is investigating what it says is the worst act of animal cruelty it has seen in a long time.

Saint John Police responded to an animal complaint at a home on Ready Street before noon on Friday.

When they arrived, officers found 14 cats inside one dog crate. Thirteen of the cats died, but one survived the ordeal and remains at the veterinary clinic.

"To be suffocated and die a slow hot death inside of the kennel, wrapped in a garbage bag [with] no air, no water, no food,” said Melody McElman with the Saint John SPCA.

The SPCA says most of the cats were Himalayan and Siamese.

They say the surviving cat is recovering well at a vet clinic and people have already been asking to adopt it.  

Police are also investigating the incident.