In Iowa, dozens of cats were rescued from a van during a heat wave after enduring "heartbreaking" conditions.

Over two dozen cats were trapped in a scorching van in Iowa for several hours before being saved by police and animal rescue teams.

Andres Enrique Guilartes Martinez's vehicle contained 29 allegedly abandoned cats, which were rescued by the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL).

The ARL assisted the Mason City Police Department after they found a group of cats living independently in a van.

They said that the 29 cats had no access to food or water.

When the ARL arrived at the "heartbreaking" scene, temperatures were already in the 90s, making the enclosed van life-threatening.

As we opened the van doors, we quickly discovered that the situation was even worse than we had expected, they said.

The ammonia levels were dangerously high, as a quick test revealed.

"The owner was also suffering in the toxic, soon-to-be deadly conditions, along with the cats, it was a heartbreaking sight."

The rescue team transferred the innocent cats to air-conditioned vehicles and returned them to the ARL facility.

The cats were given food and water and were evaluated by staff members.

The organization stated that some of the cats sustained serious injuries and illnesses. Two of the cats had deep neck wounds due to something being tightly wrapped around their necks.

Martinez was arrested by Mason City police and accused of three counts of animal neglect for his alleged involvement in this case.

Planet Chronicle Digital has reached out to Mason City police for comment.