09/08/10-77 cats seized from couple's home

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California animal control officials say they've taken 77 cats from a home in one of the worst animal hoarding cases they've seen in Sacramento County. SWAT team members on Wednesday found cat cages stacked floor to ceiling, animals roaming everywhere and feces caked around the home of Paul and Kathy Franco.

Officials say it's a case of animal hoarding. The homeowners say they were taking good care of the cats.

The house in Sacramento has been condemned, and police say they'll seek felony animal cruelty charges against the Francos.

The couple insist they cared well for the animals, who appeared healthy.

Officials have told them they may only keep seven of the cats, the maximum allowed by law.

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