Police Move Rescued Cats to Shelter
Posted by Jessica Fromm on Wednesday 30 July 2008
The 31 cats that were rescued from a hoarder house in Morgan Hill yesterday are now safe and being cared for by Town Cats no-kill cat shelter. Though many of the animals have already been placed in temporary homes, the shelter is still looking for volunteer foster homes to help deal with the influx of felines.
On July 29, Police and Animal Control officers clad in biohazard suits entered a home on Black Walnut Way and proceeded to catch masses of cats by hand. Officers estimated that about a dozen more animals evaded capture and are probably still inside the residence owned by Gene and Gilbert Medina.
About two weeks ago, an anonymous tipster called Morgan Hill Police about the strong odor of cat feces coming from the home. On a warm day, the foul smell could be detected from across the street, and dust covers the homes windows. The tipster indicated that as many as 100 cats were likely living at the house in unsanitary conditions.
When an Animal control officer first approached the Medina’s, they denied the existence of that many cats at their residence. The following day, however, they called Animal Control and admitted to having a large amount of animals that they needed help removing.
On July 29, representatives of the Santa Clara County Fire Department, Morgan Hill Code Enforcement, Adult Protective Services and Town Cats responded to the home and removed 31 cats, most of them kittens. The condition inside the Medina’s home was reportedly very poor, with feces littering the carpet and an ammonia smell perpetrating every room.
“It was out of control, they weren’t able to keep up with the cleaning,” said Rosi Mirko, founder and director of Town Cats shelter.
“For being in that situation, these guys don’t look so bad,” said Town Cats volunteer Patty Guthrie. “The house itself was in pretty bad shape, there was feces everywhere, urine smell everywhere. Whenever you have that many cats and no people watching them, your going to get something happening. But actually, these don’t look like their in too bad a shape, mostly just under socialized, obvious lack of care, that sort of thing”. The cats were transported to the Town Cats shelter, where they received medical attention and were fed and cared for.
Most of the cats were in fair condition, though they all suffered from some degree of upper respiratory problems and showed signs of inbreeding. Mirko said that some were covered in fleas and soars and looked like they were anemic, but that they were responding well after being de-fleaed, de-wormed and receiving antibiotic nose drops.
“A lot of times when they haven’t been really cared for, they respond real well to the antibiotics, because they’ve never been on it before,” said Mirko.
She noted that one rescued tabby, which previously had been lethargic and “blowing green bubbles” out of its nose, was improving greatly and appeared energetic. Still, she said that if some of the cats that were still wheezing heavily and staying curled up in their cages didn’t improve, she would bring them to the vet.
Though many of the rescued kittens appeared to be friendly and somewhat socialized, some of the cats were acting feral and aggressive. The Medina’s had issues in the past with Animal Control, when animal welfare workers found 11 cats living in their residence ten years ago.
At the time, the Medina’s said they were going to find the cats new homes. But, the problem remained unchecked, and the cats continued to breed. Though no arrests were made when the cats were seized on July 29, the situation is being investigated and the Medina’s will likely be charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty.
If you are interested in fostering a Town Cats cat, e-mail Town Cats at towncats@garlic.com, or call them at (408) 779-5761. Cages and supplies will be given to any foster volunteer willing to help. Visit Town Cats on their website at www.towncats.org for more information. - Jessica Fromm
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