Officials with the Fort Dodge-based Almost Home animal shelter took time Thursday to address criticism stemming from a recent cat rescue. The incident in question took place on December 31st, when it was discovered that 14 cats were left alone in a home for possibly a week after the resident passed away. Two of the 14 were found dead. In regards to rescuing the cats, Almost Home Director Renee Drown contacted the Animal Rescue League at the direction of Greg Wells, president of the shelter's Board of Directors. A post on a social media site classifies the ARL as the "largest killing machine in the state", something ARL officials dispute. Yesterday, Wells said the ARL was contacted solely for the use of equipment, due to likely biohazards in the home. 10 of the cats were brought to the Almost Home shelter before the ARL could assist, while two managed to escape. Yesterday, Drown said both escaped cats were found and were to be brought to Almost Home. The ten cats currently at Almost Home are said to be in good condition.