A 55-year-old Oakdale man was arrested on felony animal cruelty charges after police said nine deceased cats were found inside a residence on Sixth Avenue.

According to the Oakdale Police Department, officers and Oakdale Animal Services personnel responded on July 1 to a report of possible deceased cats and substandard living conditions at a home in the 100 block of Sixth Avenue.

When officers arrived, they contacted the tenant, identified as Amasa Hoskins, 55, who voluntarily allowed officers to enter the residence, police said. During an initial walkthrough, officers observed several deceased cats inside the home. Hoskins was detained while detectives responded to continue the investigation.

Investigators later obtained and served a search warrant at the residence. During the search, additional deceased cats were found throughout the home, police said.

In total, nine deceased cats were recovered. Based on the condition of the animals, investigators believe the cats had been dead for approximately one to two weeks.

Hoskins was arrested on felony animal cruelty charges and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center.

Oakdale police said the case involved a coordinated response between patrol officers, Oakdale Animal Services and the department’s Investigations Unit.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Oakdale Police Department at 209-847-2231.