Police rescued 57 kittens and eight cats, as well as charged a 38-year-old man with 134 counts for causing unnecessary animal suffering after an investigation into alleged animal cruelty.

Animal Welfare Services in Peel informed police on April 1 of several incidents where kittens were allegedly being sold in “distressing conditions” and dying from injuries after arriving at their new homes, said Peel Regional Police in a news release.

Investigators carried out a search warrant alongside Animal Welfare Services on April 23 and arrested a 38-year-old Mississauga man, said police.

They said 57 kittens and eight cats were also rescued at that time and taken to an animal rescue centre.

The accused is now facing 134 counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals and is in custody until his bail hearing.

Peel police said the rescued animals are in the care of a Mississauga animal shelter and that no other animals are outstanding.

They urged anyone with information to reach out to investigators or Crime Stoppers.