Muncie Animal Shelter pleas for help after rescue of 35 cats

MUNCIE, Ind (WISH) – A recent cat rescue has left a local animal shelter in need of supplies.

A chorus of cats could be heard around the Muncie Animal Shelter Tuesday.

“We have cats everywhere right now,” assistant superintendent Melissa Blair said. “We have cats in several rooms right now. We have a pretty small shelter, but we always make do.”

On Monday, employees were called to a Muncie home. “When we went inside the smell was overwhelming,” Blair said. “It gets you right in the face, right away. Conditions were pretty deplorable.”

Thirty-five cats were rescued, and as many as 15 more could be coming this week. With so many cats, employees said they’re stressed, which is why they put out a plea to the public to bring both dry and wet cat food.

“Anything that you can think of that a cat would need for its general well begin and taking care of, that’s what we need,” Blair said.

The call was answered Tuesday. Neighbors stopped at the shelter and brought what they could.

“We just loaded up as much as we could fit in a mini-van and brought it out,” Animal Rescue Fund executive Director Vickie Bevans said.

It’s food the shelter says it desperately needs. With an ongoing investigation, the animals can’t be adopted right now.

Although it’s tested the shelter’s limits, officials say the sounds of safe cats is music to the ears.

“We always tell people call, just call,” Blair said. “Even if you are not even 100 percent sure [there’s a problem] — that’s what we’re here for is to make sure.”

24-Hour News 8 tried to talk with the homeowner, but no one answered the door. The Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office said no charges are expected. The office said it’s a case where the person started with good intentions but became overwhelmed.

The cats also appear to be in good health. If you’re interested in more information on how to help, click here.