Cat Hoarder case spurs Free Feline Adoption event at the Humane Society of Huron Valley
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
By: Deborah Kern

September 27 - 29 any adult cat over 5 months old will be available for a free adoption

Ann Arbor, MI:   The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) Animal Cruelty and Rescue Team brought in 88 cats yesterday from horrendous conditions in a home in Ypsilanti Township.  The cats came in sick, malnourished and flea-infested and are currently under medical treatment.

“We will definitely be working with the prosecutor to seek charges.  This is probably the worst hoarding case we’ve seen in recent years.  The house was beyond disgusting, with feces, flies and garbage everywhere.  There were fragile little cats in every nook and cranny of the house.  I literally pulled four cats out of the silverware drawer,” said Matt Schaecher, Director of HSHV’s Animal Cruelty and Rescue Department. 

“Animal hoarding is a mental illness, but prosecution, combined with mental health treatment, is the only immediate way to stop it and make sure no more
innocent animals are hurt.  This is a serious and growing problem nationally and it creates immense suffering and public health and blight concerns.  It is also a costly, difficult burden on local shelters already overburdened and under-funded,” said Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV CEO.  “These cases  require a serious response.”

“Everyone is now safe and getting outstanding care, though not yet ready for adoption.  But we desperately need families who want and have the means to become pet parents to come to HSHV this weekend.  Getting our current feline residents into their forever homes more quickly will help free up space and time so we can keep extra focus on giving our cruelty case cats what they need and deserve to thrive”, said Jennifer Paillon, Operations Director.

So Friday through Sunday, September 27 – 29, all adult cats over the age of 5-months-old will be eligible for a Free adoption. 

For those people who aren’t ready to adopt and still want to help, you can make a donation to help pay for their medical treatment or bring us an item off of our wish list. 

“Even though many are in pretty rough shape, I think with the right treatment and care they have a great prognosis.  These kitties will also need high quality, nutritious food to support their healing,” said Dr. Carrie Allen, HSHV Shelter Veterinarian. 

Every cat ready for adoption at HSHV has been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, tested for feline leukemia, given flea preventative and given a microchip I.D., and you will also receive a discount for your first initial health exam at our HSHV Veterinary Clinic.

HSHV is open 7 days a week starting at 11 am for adoptions. People looking to see which cats are available can go to our website and view descriptions and photos of all the cats. The site is updated instantly throughout the day as animals are adopted or made available.