Shelter nursing hoarded cats back to health
MADISON COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) — Cats rescued from a Madison County home are now dealing with a host of health problems including fleas, respiratory issues and skin conditions.
The cats are now being cared for at The Animal Protection League in Anderson.
Sheriff Scott Mellinger says in all 14 cats, three dogs and humans as well were all living in up to three inches of feces.
The house is in Fortville near County Road 750 West and 1000 South.
Mellinger says the owner is willingly collecting the cats because they were getting away from authorities as they tried to rescue them.
“They’ve all got fleas, they’ve got skin conditions, they’re covered in urine,” said Maleah Stringer, the director of the shelter. “They’re shut down, they’re starting respiratory issues from high ammonia levels in the home.”
The sheriff said the smell was so bad inside the home, they wouldn’t allow deputies to go in without oxygen tanks.
The cats are now being tested for feline leukemia and feline AIDS. The tests are typical tests after hoarding situations, but Stringer says they’re already in over their heads.
They have over 300 animals in the shelter while capacity is 150 animals.
Stringer says the animals are from previous hoarding situations, but also from surrenders. Stringer says 400 kittens have been brought here since June. She says they will spay or neuter any cat or dog.
“Some people don’t believe in it. They think it’s cruel, they say they don’t have the money, they think they need to let their children see the miracle of life. They have a realm of reasons as to why they don’t do it, but the reality is when they’re tired of watching the miracle of birth, they have 10 kittens, they bring them to us,” said Stringer.
Stringer says it will take the shelter about a month to bring the cats back to health before they can be adopted. But the state veterinarian will make the final decision.
The Madison County prosecutor will decide to whether to press criminal charges.
Stringer says the shelter is in desperate need of litter and food.