SHS Helps Cats In Need

June 28, 2008 - On Thursday, June 26th, the Spartanburg Humane Society was asked to assist Spartanburg Animal Services rescuing more than 40 neglected cats living in filthy conditions. Authorities had been alerted to the problem by neighbors complaining of a foul odor. Based on the description from investigators, this seemed to be a case of animal hoarding

Animal hoarding is a devastating and complicated phenomenon that defies easy explanation. The Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium (HARC), a panel of professionals from medical, mental health, public health, and animal welfare fields, uses the following criteria to define it:

• More than the typical number of companion animals
• Inability to provide even minimal standards of nutrition, sanitation, shelter, and veterinary care, with this neglect often resulting in starvation, illness, and death
• Denial of the inability to provide this minimum care and the impact of that failure on the animals, the household, and human occupants of the dwelling
  

Suspicions of hoarding were confirmed after the SHS team, led by SHS Vice President of Operations, Lisa Cook, and Shelter Manager, Kelly Stockwell, arrived on the scene.

The house, which has now been condemned by city officials, was turned over to the cats. According to Cook, "Nearly every surface of the house including floors, counter tops, and walls, were covered with feces and urine, making it difficult to breath. The cats, denied adequate care and attention, had reverted to an almost wild state. All of them were suffering from disease, or parasite infestations, or both." Rescuers were able to capture 26 from in and around the house and humane traps were set for more than a dozen cats living outside. One cat was found dead.

After arriving at the SHS, each cat was given a thorough exam by our veterinary staff. Many tested positive for contagious diseases including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, and all were severely infested with fleas. "These poor animals were unrecognizable as the sociable, playful, and beautiful pet cats that so many of us share our homes with," said Dr. Melissa Elledge, Vice President of Veterinary Services for the SHS.

Investigators are deciding whether or not they will press charges against the owner of the home and cats, in which case their fate will be determined by a judge. In the meantime, they will stay in our care, where they will receive wholesome and regular food, medical attention, compassion, and respect in a clean and comfortable environment.

Sandy Christiansen, SHS President and CEO, explains that rehabilitation is not always possible in cases of hoarding, "Sadly, we may not be able to reverse the severe medical and social neglect that these cats were subjected to. For now we are thankful that they are no longer suffering, and we are all committed to making sure their time at SHS is as comfortable as possible."

You can read more about animal hoarding at HARC's comprehensive website: http://www.tufts.edu/vet/cfa/hoarding/.