Posted: March 18 2008 2 a.m. EDT
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| Animal control officers seized cats from several buildings, including a single family home. |
Last week, the
Pennsylvania SPCA, with assistance from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), removed several hundred cats from the Tiger Ranch Cat Sanctuary, a property in Tarentum, Pa., about 20 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. More than 600 cats were seized, according to a press release posted on the PSPCA's website. The cats were living in multiple buildings, including a single family home. The owner, Linda Bruno, 45, also known as Lin Marie, was arrested and charged with 13 counts of animal cruelty and neglect, according to the PSPCA.
“This is by far the worst case we’ve ever encountered,” said Howard Nelson, CEO of the PSPCA. “Our primary concern is to get these poor animals the care and treatment they so desperately need.”
Animal welfare officers found about 175 cats running loose on the property, with others inside fenced areas and more inside the buildings. Several dogs also were seized, as well as chickens, horses and a goat.
To give veterinary care to the seized animals, the ASPCA is providing three fully equipped mobile veterinary clinics, including the organization’s mobile animal crime scene investigation unit. The CSI unit features state-of-the-art forensics tools and medical equipment tailored for animal patients. Three ASPCA veterinarians who specialize in forensics and 10 additional ASPCA employees will assist PSPCA staff in providing care for the cats and other animals.
“I’m extremely proud we have been able to assist the PSPCA in this extraordinary undertaking,” said Ed Sayres, ASPCA president and CEO.
The cats taken from the property range in age from 3 months to 7 years. Dr. Melinda Merck, a forensic veterinarian, said the cats show signs of many ailments, including upper respiratory conditions, skin wounds, abscesses, dehydration, malnutrition, dental problems, and eye and bladder infections.
Despite their condition, however, Merck said the cats seem friendly and well-socialized. “Many of them came running up to us when we arrived,” she said.
The cats will stay at the Clarion County Humane Society in Shippenville, Pa., where they will be treated by veterinarians. The cats may be available for adoption sometime in the near future.
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