NILES — A local humane agent noted the conditions two huskies were left in were the “worst he’s ever seen” as a warrant was issued for a Niles man.

A warrant was issued for Jeffery Cathcart, 52, on a charge of cruelty to companion animals on Friday, in relation to a police report filed with the city’s police department in mid-February.

According to the report, two officers were dispatched to a Hartzell Avenue residence after receiving a call from a neighbor, who reported that the caretaker of the animals had not been there in “quite some time.”

Officers spoke with the caller, who said the house’s owner joined the military last summer and while she was gone for training, her roommate, “Jeff,” was responsible for taking care of the dogs.

The report states that the arrangement was working for at least two months, but since then, “Jeff” was rarely seen at the residence, resulting in the caller reaching out to police Feb. 17.

The report states that a dispatcher contacted “Jeff,” who said the animals were cared for that day, but the caller said he has struggled to reach him since then.

Officers walked onto the front porch and saw two huskies looking through the front door glass and, upon looking through the window, noted the conditions in the house to be “absolutely deplorable,” according to the report.

The report states items were scattered through the house, and parts of the ceiling had fallen through. Officers eventually made entry to ensure the animals’ well-being and health.

The report states that Healthy Hearts & Paws Project President and CEO Jason Cooke and the officers entered the building and were immediately hit with the strong odor of feces and urine.

Officers deemed the building’s conditions to be “inhabitable for human and animal life,” noting the building’s lack of heat and water and the floor to be covered in pieces of falling drywall, miscellaneous items, feces and urine.

The report states no food and water was found in the house, and the basement was completely covered in feces.

The report states Cooke took custody of the dogs and planned to return the next day to post a notice explaining that he had done so, later stating that he believed the huskies were abandoned for a “lot more” than eight days.

Court records show Cathcart failed to appear at a Monday arraignment.