UPDATE: The owner has been identified as Laura McLeod
MICHIGAN -- Eighty-eight cats living in what is described as horrendous conditions were removed Tuesday from an Ypsilanti Township house in a cat-hoarder situation.
The Humane Society of Huron Valley announced its' animal cruelty and rescue team brought in the cats, which came in sick, malnourished and flea infested. They are currently receiving medical treatment.
In response to the influx of deprived cats, the society is going to host a free feline adoption between Friday and Sunday. Adult cats ready for adoption over five months old will be eligible for free adoption.
"We will definitely be working with the prosecutor to seek charges," said Matt Schaecher, director of the humane society's animal cruelty and rescue department. "This is probably the worst hoarding case we've seen in recent years.
"The house was beyond disgusting, with feces, flies and garbage everywhere."
Schaecher said there were fragile little cats in every nook and cranny of the house, adding he literally pulled four cats out of a silverware drawer.
Humane Society of Huron Valley CEO Tanya Hilgendorf said cases like this require a serious response.
"Animal hoarding is a mental illness, but prosecution, combined with mental health treatment, is the only immediate way to stop it and make sure no more innocent animals are hurt," she said.
"This is a serious and growing problem nationally and it creates immense suffering and public health and blight concerns."
Hilgendorf said it also creates a costly, difficult burden on local shelters that are already overburdened and underfunded.
Dr. Carrie Allen, society shelter veterinarian, said although many of the cats are in rough shape, she thinks with the right treatment and care the cats have a great prognosis. The cats will need high quality, nutritious food to support their healing, she said.
Jennifer Paillon, society operations director, said the rescued cats are now safe and receiving outstanding care, although they are not ready for adoption.
"But we desperately need families who want and have the means to become pet parents to come to HSHV this weekend," she said. "Getting our current feline residents into their forever homes more quickly will help free up space and time so we can keep extra focus on giving our cruelty case cats what they need and deserve to thrive."
Those who are unable to adopt but still wish to help can donate online or bring the society an item off its' wish list.
Cats ready for adoption are all spayed or neutered, vaccinated, tested for feline leukemia, given flea preventative and given a microchip I.D. They will also get a discount on their first, initial health exam at the society veterinary clinic.
The Humane Society of Huron Valley, located in Ann Arbor and open starting at 11 a.m. seven days a week, is an award-winning independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and relies solely on supporters to provide its' programs and services.
Charity Navigator, the nation's top charity evaluator, awarded HSHV a four-star ranking, the highest possible. The mission of HSHV is to promote the loving, responsible care of all animals in our community. HSHV is not affiliated with any other humane organization and does not receive funding from the United Way.
(Ypsilanti Courier - Oct 2, 2013)
Earlier:
No comments:
Post a Comment