Wisconsin Humane Society seeks fosters after taking in 55 cats from home, with more expected
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Humane Society put out a plea for assistance Wednesday, July 7, after taking in a group of 55 cats from a single household, with more likely on the way. It was a hoarding situation.
"We were called in by law enforcement to help assist to get these cats out of that situation," said Angela Speed, vice president of communications for the Wisconsin Humane Society.
They say the cats were surrendered, and at least 25 more are expected from the same home in the coming days. The exact location is not being disclosed because it's still under investigation by police. The Wisconsin Humane Society Ozaukee County campus now houses 12 of those cats.
"The Wisconsin Humane Society sees cases like this I'd say almost on a monthly basis, and as hard as it is -- that's why we're here," Speed adds.
There are several ways in which you can help -- through foster care, donations and adoption. Some are ready to be adopted immediately at shelter locations including Milwaukee, Ozaukee County and Racine County.
"Every cat or kitten that goes out for adoption here is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, receives a microchip as well," Speed said.
The humane society says they've taken in more than 400 cats in the past two weeks alone, and foster homes are needed now more than ever to maintain space at the shelter. For more information on fostering, or to sign up, click here.
"It's our day in and day out work, but in higher volume, and so a lot of it just comes down to making sure that we have the staffing we need to support these animals, the food, you know, all the essentials," says Rachel Hahn, director of shelter operations, WHS Ozaukee County.
Officials say in situations like this, cats are often shut down and need extra medical and behavioral care. The Wisconsin Humane Society is also helping the owner move forward and want to keep their identity private during this time.
"We are so grateful that they work with us cooperatively so that these animals can get the care that they need, and any sort of extra attention publicly can really jeopardize that relationship," adds Speed. "You know, we're not out to villainize anybody, hoarding is a mental illness and we recognize that."
"When these kind of situations occur, our heart just really goes out to the family and the animals themselves and what they're experiencing," Hahn says.
If you'd like to make a donation toward the felines' food, medical care and supplies, click here.
Finally, if you're thinking of adding a new permanent member to your family, click here to view all the cats available for adoption at this time. With hundreds of cats now adoptable at Wisconsin Humane Society locations, the shelters have implemented a name your own adoption price special for any cat older than one.