Photo Gallery | Family charged after cats die in abandoned house

Family charged after cats die in abandoned house

Saturday, March 9th, 2013, 4:59pm

An entire family in Bartlett has been charged with leaving several cats for dead at their former home (full story below).

An entire family in Bartlett has been charged with leaving several cats for dead at their former home (full story below).

An entire family in Bartlett has been charged with leaving several cats for dead at their former home (full story below).

An entire family in Bartlett has been charged with leaving several cats for dead at their former home (full story below).

An entire family in Bartlett has been charged with leaving several cats for dead at their former home.

Police said the Massie family abandoned their home in the 3100 block of Marr Cove in October.

The affidavit of complaint revealed the family left behind filth, several cats, and even feces.

When officials went into the home they found the carcasses of four dead cats.

Family members would periodically go by the house and pick up the mail, but the parents, Robert and Teresa, never checked on the cats.

Emma and Caitlin Massie said they would come in every couple of weeks and check on the cats. They claimed they would provide the cats with food and water during those visits.

Caitlin said the last time she checked on them was Feb. 27. City records show the water was turned off to the house for nonpayment on Feb. 20, according to The Commercial Appeal.

Police said all four cats died from dehydration.

The four family members were charged of aggravated animal cruelty Thursday.

Bartlett Municipal Court Judge Freeman Marr set each of their bonds at $5,000 after a court appearance Friday morning, according to The Commercial Appeal.