APD Saves Residents from an active Fire During an Animal Welfare Check, 100 Cats Rescued and 1 Person Arrested

ALBUQUERQUE– On October 28, 2026 officers did a follow-up welfare check on an old RV that seemed abandoned behind a home. The RV was associated with an arrested person who had parked behind a home in a separate vehicle at 1701 Cornell Dr. SE. While investigating officers detected a foul odor coming from the RV and observed a large number of distressed cats, along with at least one deceased cat inside. While Animal Control officers were gathering up the cats, a fire unexpectedly broke out inside a nearby detached garage and APD sprung into action to save residents nearby.

Neither police nor Animal Control officers had entered the backyard prior to the fire starting so it was unclear how it randomly ignited. The fire destroyed the garage and a parked vehicle, but no human or animal injuries were reported.

A day prior on October 27, 2026, officers had responded to a suspicious vehicle which was blocking an alley near Ross Ave. SE and Cornell Dr. SE. Officers detained Christopher Hart, who initially refused to identify himself. Upon confirming his identity, officers discovered Hart had four active warrants, including three felony warrants for residential burglary, receiving stolen property, and probation violation, as well as a misdemeanor battery warrant. Hart was arrested, and his vehicle was towed away.

Officers contacted a resident at the home, who stated the RV and cats belonged to Christopher’s girlfriend, though he declined to name her. Officers also observed cats entering a detached garage on the property and requested assistance from Animal Control.

Animal Welfare successfully secured more than 100 cats from the scene. In addition to the cats, there were four kittens that were being bottle fed by workers and they were transferred to the Route 66 Emergency for specialized care. One cat was located deceased.

According to officials all the rescued cats are currently being housed at Animal Welfare’s Westside Shelter where they are receiving medical evaluations and treatment. Upon initial evaluations, most of the cats appeared thin and exhibited signs of upper respiratory issues. Several are suffering from eye injuries or damage. It is believed that approximately 10-20 additional cats remain uncaught at the scene and the AWD is working on securing them.

The animal welfare case is being handled under probable cause with an unknown owner, as the individuals present at the scene were not the owners of the RV or animals and that investigation is still ongoing.

“Our top priority is the health and recovery of these 100 cats,” said Animal Welfare Director Carolyn Ortega. “They are safe at our Westside shelter receiving urgent veterinary care, and we are grateful to APD and our AWD Animal Protection Officers for getting them out of a neglectful situation.”

Code Enforcement secured the residence, and AFR is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

AFR sent an email detailing the summary of the fire:

Engine 2 arrived on scene and reported a working fire coming from the detached garage on the back side of the property. 

The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes of their arrival. 

Damage to the structure was mostly contained to the garage. 

No injuries of civilians or firefighters was reported.

AFR Fire Investigators were called to the scene to determine the cause and origin of the fire. 

A cause has not been determined. No additional information available.