HSUS rescues nearly 200 cats, several dogs from alleged neglect situation in Texas
There were nursing mothers, kittens who looked sick and emaciated, many with what appeared to be eye infections. Photo by Meredith Lee/The HSUS
It was the smell that hit them the hardest as staff members from our Animal Rescue Team entered a house in Killeen, Texas, this morning, to help local law enforcement agents remove nearly 200 cats and kittens and several dogs from a situation of alleged large-scale neglect. “My eyes started to burn up within a minute of being inside,” said one responder, so strong were the fumes from animal waste.
But that paled in comparison to the sight of the animals who lined the property wall to wall.
Cats were everywhere, including many kittens, living in stacked cages and aquariums throughout the property. There were nursing mothers, and kittens who seemed sick and very thin, many with what appeared to be eye infections. A little black kitten had an eyeball that “looked like it’s going to explode,” as one veterinarian at the site said. Several kittens were in critical condition and had to immediately be transferred to a veterinary hospital. It appeared as though these animals had not received any veterinary care, or care of any sort. Litter boxes were overflowing with feces.
Among the dogs we discovered was a chihuahua who was struggling to walk.
No matter how often we conduct these rescues, and we’ve done hundreds over the years, it’s never easy to face or to stomach the suffering that the animals involved endure. Our Animal Rescue Team is often called upon by local law enforcement agencies to rescue animals from puppy mills and dogfighting operations. But some cases are not so black and white, involving as they do a blend of animal cruelty and neglect. These cases can be a challenge for authorities to prosecute. Fortunately, Texas has pretty strong cruelty laws and we are hopeful that the state will be able to hold those responsible for this situation accountable.
Law enforcement entities and animal welfare organizations like ours also end up bearing the long-term costs of veterinary care and sheltering for the animals, something we’re trying to address with cost-of-care legislation in various states. A preliminary estimate shows that veterinary costs in this case will be significant.
But it is the animals who have paid the biggest price.
Cats, including many kittens, were living in stacked cages and aquariums throughout the property. Photo by Meredith Lee/The HSUS
After getting an on-site veterinary examination by Dr. Melinda Merck, a veterinary forensics expert from Austin, Texas, and Dr. Cate McManus of Irving Animal Services, the animals are being taken to a temporary emergency shelter. There, they’ll be further examined by veterinarians and receive additional needed treatment and care.
These animals are in good hands now, and for that we are grateful to the members of our Animal Rescue Team, Killeen law enforcement, Emancipet, which is donating veterinarian and veterinary technician services for the veterinary exams and care at the temporary shelter, our long-time partner GreaterGood.org for donations of animal enrichment and supplies, and RedRover responders who will assist with taking care of the animals at the temporary shelter. We will continue to update you on their situation in weeks to come, and we hope to be able to help place these animals for adoption through our shelter and rescue partners. Today, we are simply thankful that their nightmare is finally over.
And what will be done to the owners?? No punishment is enough, if there is any at all…..I want to see the owner/operator of these places suffer-like the poor animals did!!
I agree. I’m sick of animal abuse
I agree. Half the success is saving
The little ones. The other part is a strong statement through law enforcement that such neglect and cruelty is NOT acceptable!!! It is criminal. They need to have any extent of pain. Give them THAT water bowl!!!!
WHAT IS THE POINT OF TREATING ANIMALS IN SICH A WAY?????
I am a long-time supporter of HSUS, but I am also acquainted with a network of kitten and cat rescue groups in Texas—a state which, unfortunately, has one of the highest rates of stray animals and highest rates of euthanasia in shelters, particularly for cats. Some of the buzz in this network is that the HSUS is unfairly victimizing a person who was trying their hardest to care for felines who would have been suffering an even worse fate were they not in her home. (Which, from what I see in my region, is quite possible.) Although I support the position of the HSUS, I hope the organization can emphasize more clearly that the property owner was cooperative—and can continue to work to make it unnecessary for people to feel they must take on so many animals to prevent worse fates for them. Perhaps there can be some kind of special outreach or hotline that specifically is available for well-meaning people who do become overwhelmed with the care of rescued animals. Thank you.
Yes, good idea.
Poor babies. Glad you rescued them.
I am grateful for all the rescues that are done , on the other hand,why does it cost so much to nueter or spay animals? Why cant there be clinics that do it for free in the state of Missouri ? when you make money every time you sell kittens ,there are so many adult cats that get transfered from shelter to shelter to try to find homes or they get euthanized ,but only adults get killed.I was told the humane society is a no kill place but I took a cat there back when Katrina happened and I was told it would be killed because he was 2 years old,and that the humane society had taken in kittens from where Katrina happened because they could be sold. That is so wrong!!! Needless to say I brought the cat back home with me and found him a home. I have rescued several kittens ,feral, tamed them,and went to open door,that dont kill,got them shots and spayed or nuetered and found them homes. It was $20. for males and $30. for females and no charge for office visit either. SPOT does nueter and spay cheaply but there is not enough clinics , please help open more clinics.
That is so great of you to do. Adults are better for first timers.
Spay and neuter is the answer to so many of the issues we see nationwide. If there were clinics that would offer their service at a low price/free then there wouldn’t be so many strays that are constantly breeding. There has to be a better way to get help for these animals.
I am always going to support the humane society fir helping these animals
I see this and start to cry😭 I am grateful for all the rescuers and veterinarians around the world. THANK YOU😍😍😍🐱🐱🐱