Over 70 cats removed from Ozaukee County home, now being cared for at WHS
OZAUKEE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Dozens of cats are safe and sound tonight at the Ozaukee County campus of the Wisconsin Humane Society.
78 cats were originally found in a Town of Grafton home. Five died. Three more cats were rescued Wednesday, bringing the total discovered at the home to 81. 76 cats are currently in WHS care.
In what is typically a noisy room of meows and purring, we found silence.
"Most of the cats are quite fearful and shut down," said Angela Speed, Vice President of Communications, Wisconsin Humane Society.
Speed was there as the Wisconsin Humane Society went into a five-bedroom home on Woodhaven Drive in the Town of Grafton last week. A WE Energies meter reader asked police to do a wellbeing check after something didn’t seem right.
"It was a pretty sad situation. I mean there was evidence that the cats were not using the litter boxes. There was a l
Speed says 81 cats ranging from six months to seven years old were found on the first and second floors, and the basement too.
"So unfortunately, this is a situation where there was no heat and no water source. Also, it was very dark and cold. We did have to suit up in like hazmat suits to make sure that our staff were protected," said Speed.
Sadly, a number of the long-haired beauties have health issues.
"Things like respiratory infections, eye infections, ear infections, some wounds as well and many of them are underweight or malnourished and will need supportive care," said Speed.
It's about getting them healthy and comfortable before adoption and they're already seeing some progress. Five days ago, the little ones were hiding behind whatever they could. They seem to be now getting a little more curious.
"We're starting to see some social behaviors like when the cats come to the front of the kennels and are soliciting for attention," said Speed.
The homeowner, who the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office says is elderly, agreed to surrender the cats after the home was deemed uninhabitable. No criminal charges are expected.
"You know inside the house there were certainly food bowls and empty bags of food. Somebody had been trying to give the best care to the cats that they possibly could, but when you have this many animals, things often spiral out of control," said Speed.
If you or someone you know is struggling to provide care for animals, it’s important to reach out for help. With this many animals, conditions rapidly deteriorate, affecting not only the animals, but the owners, their families, and the community. You're urged to contact your local animal welfare organization, law enforcement, or health department for supportive resources.
“In cases like this, that the best path forward is connecting those in need to services which address the underlying cause that led to these situations in the first place. Meanwhile, at WHS, we’re focused on getting the animals the care they need and continuing to advocate for prevention, so these heartbreaking scenarios become less common,” said Speed.
The Wisconsin Humane Society's looking for fosters, and some of the cats could be ready for adoption this weekend.
WHS is currently asking for the public’s support in wake of the situation as they work to manage such a large number of new arrivals at once.
Click here to make a donation to help.
