Police and humane officers are looking for a woman whose former trailer home on Route 981 in rural East Huntingdon was found full of emaciated cats, ferrets, and dogs yesterday afternoon. One dog was discovered dead on the property.

Neighbors called police Wednesday when barking dogs went unattended at a trailer rented by Margaret "Peg" Miller and her daughter, Candace. The pair moved out three weeks ago.

Humane Officer Cathy Bricker said she found a dead dog in a utility shed and two more dogs in a garage with some food but no water. Inside the house were two ferrets and at least 12 cats, many of them hiding inside the walls. Two cats and a kitten retrieved from the home were "at death's door," she said, unable to stand up. Ms. Bricker said she left food on the site and will set traps to capture the rest of the cats.

The animals were taken to a veterinarian and will be placed in foster homes while police track down the owners.

Ms. Bricker said a conviction for animal abandonment can carry a fine of up to $750 and 90 days in jail for each count.