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Neighbors: Feral Cats Outside Rescuer's Home Are Stinking Up Bronx Neighborhood

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A colony of feral cats has drawn the ire of neighbors in the Morris Park section of the Bronx.

As CBS2's Tony Aiello reported, residents said a kind-hearted cat lover has gone too far, and it is affecting their quality of life.

The cats sleep and stroll, eat and relieve themselves on neighboring properties, neighbors say.

"It's horrible," said neighbor Marie Milillo.

There were easily 15 or 20 piles of cat excrement on the side of Adnen Shamas' house.

"I have small kids," he said. "They be stepping on it, and it smells."

Residents on Paulding Avenue blame the smell, and the flies, on the many stray cats that cluster outside the home of animal rescuer Diane Jungk.

When asked what she had to say to the neighbors who are complaining about the cats, Jungk said, "I don't know what to say."

Neighbors said they appreciate Jungk's affinity for felines.

"I know her heart's in the right place," Milillo said. "She really cares for them."

But Milillo and the others are tired of calling 311, and would like the cats to be taken away.

"People living next door are concerned that they tried to sell their homes, they'd never get a sale," Milillo said.

But Jungk countered, "They need adopting, and we need public awareness."

Despite several summonses from the city, Jungk clearly believes she is performing a public service by rescuing cats from dire situations. She said one cat was found taped in a box and gnawed his way out.

There are now 14 cats on the block, and when asked if that number would drop anytime soon, Jungk said "absolutely."

"We're getting them adopted, and we're finding other alternatives," Jungk said.

And when asked if other cats would come to take their place, Jungk replied, "Well, I guess what we have to say is no?"

Neighbors said they will continue to dog the city to do something about the cats.

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