While investigating animal abuse, explosives found in a Ravena home

A portion of Orchard Avenue in Ravena was blocked off Thursday night while the Coeymans Police Department and the State Police Bomb Squad investigated a home with several live explosives inside.

Police say they responded to 23 Orchard Avenue after being notified by the Humane Society who was investigating possible animal abuse.  Numerous cats were taken from the home and three cats were found dead, in conditions that police called deplorable.

The State Police Bomb Squad removed numerous live explosives including live hand grenades, land mines, aerial bombs and a laser guided rocket.  Police say the homeowners appeared to be avid collectors of war memorabilia.  All of the explosives will be destroyed by the State Police.

Investigators are looking into the condition of the animals and how homeowners were able to obtain all the explosives.  Police say charges are likely.

Homes surrounding 23 Orchard Avenue were evacuated and the street was blocked off for most of Thursday evening while police investigated.