Lincoln Animal Control officers rescued dozens of cats and kittens from a likely hoarding situation last Friday during a routine inspection.
According to a post on social media, LAC conducted an annual permit inspection on a multi-cat household in northeast Lincoln. Officers observed several violations at the home. Over the course of several days, officers removed “in excess of 70 cats,” which were then taken to the Capital Humane Society for veterinary care and boarding.
LAC said the investigation into this incident remains ongoing.
Matt Madcharo, executive director for Capital Humane Society, described the incident as a “hoarding situation.” He says the influx of so many felines puts a stain on their operations.
“Receiving 70 plus cats over a short period of time from a single situation really stresses our capacity and space availability,” Madcharo said. “Currently, we’re over capacity at our Admissions & Assessment Center because of all those cats. We’re using emergency cages and kennels. So we need to get some cats into homes as quick as we can.”
Many of the admitted cats are in “fairly good” health, said Madcharo. But many were admitted with medical conditions, as a result of the home’s environment.
“Most if if not all of them have flea infestations. Some of them have upper respiratory infections. There’s a handful that have some eye-related issues that are going to need additional diagnostics and potential treatment, including potentially removing their eyes,” he said. “Our focus right now is on getting them comfortable, figuring out what they’re going to need, and starting on those treatments.”
Madcharo said the cats range in age, from two-weeks-old to eight-years-old. Most are within the “teenager” range, between 8 months and two-years-old.
“It’s going to get all these cats settled in and receive their medical treatments. Obviously they’re not ready for adoption, but in the meantime, we do have an adoption center full of cats and kittens that are looking for homes right now,” said Madcharo.
The Capital Humane Society is offering a special adoption promotion for all animals at the Pieloch Pet Adoption Center (6500 S. 70 Street), with adoption fees for all animals available for adoption reduced by 50%, from Feb. 3 through Sunday, February 8. More details are available here.
Capital Humane Society