A dead kitten was discovered in a Grote St. apartment house Tuesday night after neighbors called authorities to report filthy conditions in the Buffalo home.

The couple who lives there was hospitalized after officials found the man and woman living in squalor. Human waste and garbage filled almost every room of the residence, officials said.

At least 15 animals, including dogs, cats and rabbits were taken from the home by animal control officers.

"I think that these folks definitely have a mental illness," said Barbara Carr, executive director of Erie County SPCA. "anybody who has that many animals and is not taking care of them is not taking care of them because they don't care. They're just not capable."

The couple was not charged but the investigation continues, Carr said. The animals are being cared for by the SPCA. An autopsy will be performed on the dead kitten to try and find its cause of death.