Shocking number of cats seized from house
GROUP UNDER FIRE AFTER RESCUE EFFORT
A NORTH Queensland animal rescue group who saved the lives of 45 cats living in one house has been forced to defend itself after social media backlash.
Townsville Foster and Rehoming Animals Inc were called out to a house on Sunday where the owner had been admitted to hospital, and later died from illness.
The group of volunteers banded together to rescue the felines living in poor conditions, and have started the health and social process of getting them ready for new homes.
Director Angela Atkinson said despite their unwavering dedication, some people had accused rescue services of making the situation appear “worse than it was” as the cats looked to be in good health.
“We went into this home to make a difference … it’s just an insult,” Ms Atkinson said.
“We are the only ones who stepped up to help and to get such a huge team together in 12 hours was a huge feat.”
The group were alerted to the job on Saturday, spent $1000 on a vet call-out and worked for almost nine hours to rescue the cats.
The cats were in a wire cage outside when the team arrived, and a makeshift litter tray had been set up inside the house using a tarp.
Ms Atkinson said the owner of the animals dedicated his life to saving cats, and spent all he had on feeding and taking care of them until he passed away.
The cats are all in temporary care, but Ms Atkinson said the bills would pile up as it would take months to prepare the animals to socialise with other humans.
“Then vaccines, chipping, worming, flea treatment, desexing for a few males not desexed, dental work on a few … they won’t be here 5 days.
“We are expecting some will still be here in 2023, so the cost of food and litter and then up-keep of monthly wormer and flea treatments will never cover the cost of just Sunday.”
To add to the situation, Ms Atkinson their team were already busy due to Townsville’s tight rental market.
She said they had a waiting list of animals as tenants were forced to rehome their dogs and cats just to secure a place to live.
The cats will be advertised for adoption for $50 once they are ready. If people want to help the rescue animals, they can donate cat food and litter to Kings Rd Vets at Hyde Park.