158 cats rescued in one week, shelter appeals for help

CATSKILL―The Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA is appealing to the public for help after taking in 158 cats from two separate animal cruelty investigations in approximately one week, an unprecedented influx that has placed enormous strain on the organization's resources.

The latest case involved the rescue of 96 cats and one dog from a Catskill apartment, following a police investigation that resulted in animal cruelty charges against two residents.

According to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA (CGHS/SPCA), many of the rescued cats were suffering from neglect, including flea infestations, intestinal parasites and being underweight. However, shelter officials say the animals are responding well to treatment, and most are expected to make a relatively quick and full recovery.

"This is an extraordinarily horrific situation, unlike anything we've experienced in terms of the sheer number of cats arriving in such a short period of time," said Ron Perez, president and CEO of CGHS/SPCA.

The investigation began October 22, when the Catskill Police Department received information about deplorable living conditions inside an apartment at 68 North Street, where multiple people were reportedly living with an unknown number of cats.

Police subsequently obtained a search warrant and entered the residence, discovering what authorities described as extremely unsanitary and unsafe conditions for both the occupants and animals.

A large-scale rescue operation followed, involving the Catskill Police Department, CGHS/SPCA, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society's Humane Law Enforcement Division and the Schenectady SPCA.

Two Catskill residents, Kayla Hackett, 38, and Barry Mower, 42, were arrested and charged with multiple counts of violating New York State Agriculture and Markets Law provisions concerning animal cruelty, including torturing or injuring animals and failing to provide proper sustenance.

Both were issued appearance tickets to Catskill Town Court.

Perez praised the responding agencies for their efforts in rescuing the animals from the apartment.

"I cannot say enough about the outstanding work of the Catskill Police Department. Their investigation demonstrated tremendous dedication, compassion, and professionalism, and their efforts have quite literally changed the lives of nearly 100 cats and one dog," he said.

"We are tremendously grateful to the investigators and officers involved, as well as our partners at Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and the Schenectady SPCA,” Perez added.

The rescue comes just days after another cruelty investigation brought 62 cats into the shelter's care, leaving staff scrambling to provide housing, veterinary treatment, food and daily attention for the animals.

To help ease overcrowding, CGHS/SPCA transferred 40 of the rescued cats to AnimalKind, a nonprofit cat rescue organization in Hudson. The partnership will allow both organizations to provide individualized care while preparing the animals for adoption.

"We're pleased to be able to help these cats get the fresh start they deserve," said Nicki Armsby, executive director of AnimalKind. "They're going to make wonderful companions, and we look forward to finding them loving homes."

While the sudden influx has created substantial financial and logistical challenges, shelter officials emphasize that their greatest need is not donations, but people willing to adopt.

The cats will become available for adoption once they receive the necessary veterinary care and medical clearance.

"These cats have been rescued from neglect, and they're going to be just fine. What they will need more than anything is someone willing to open their home and give them the love and security they've been missing,” said Perez.

To encourage adoptions, CGHS/SPCA is waiving adoption fees for cats, dogs and small animals through October 31 as part of Subaru's nationwide Subaru Loves Pets initiative.

AnimalKind is also offering sponsored adoption fees for all cats, giving prospective pet owners another opportunity to adopt without paying an adoption fee.

Both organizations encourage interested residents to submit adoption applications in advance, as same-day approvals are not guaranteed.

Anyone interested in adopting can contact the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA at 111 Humane Society Road in Hudson, by calling 518-828-6044 or visiting www.cghs.org.

AnimalKind is located at 721 Warren Street in Hudson and can be reached at 518-822-8643 or online at www.animalkindny.org.

Financial contributions to support the animals' veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and ongoing care can also be made through either organization's website.