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50 Cat Rescue Completed – Press Release – May 10, 2024

On May 3, 2024, the Finger Lakes SPCA completed a rescue of 50 cats (44 adults and 6 newborn kittens) in the Town of Avoca. The cats had been abandoned in a mobile home in March where they were found to be living in deplorable conditions.

While we are still assessing many of the cats, some have been found to have multiple health issues, severe enough to unfortunately need humane euthanasia. These issues were likely due to a combination of inbreeding and the highly toxic atmosphere in which they had been living. Because each of these cats required a great deal of attention, and our space is limited, we could not take the cats all at once. Trapping indoor cats requires a great deal of patience and staff time.

This incident is a prime example of how quickly cats can multiply and overwhelm even the best of intentions. All of this could have been prevented by spaying or neutering the initial cats.

Even though these cats were indoors, they are not socialized, and most who survive will likely be candidates for Working Cat (i.e., “barn cat”) adoptions. We thank Cozy Cats n Kittens of Hornell for assisting us in placement of six of the cats so far. If you or someone you know has a need for cats to live in your barn, stable, workshop, warehouse, etc., please contact us at 607-776-3039.

Needless to say, 50 cats put a strain on our resources. Any help in the form of monetary donations, Purina Cat Chow (blue bag), or anything else on the wishlist on our website would be greatly appreciated. Please no cat toys or treats at this time. Use the address above or one of the QR codes below to make a donation.

The Steuben County Sheriff’s Department has made an arrest related to this case.

For further information contact FLSPCA Executive Director Michael Hopkins at the above administrative number or at michael@fingerlakesspca.org.

Sincerely,

FLSPCA Homeless Animals, Board of Directors, Volunteers & Staff

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