DATE: July 17, 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Mendheim, Broward County Animal Care and Adoption Division
PHONE: 954-359-1010
EMAIL: lmendheim@broward.org
MEDIA CONTACT: Cherie Wachter, The Humane Society of Broward County
PHONE: 954-266-6831
EMAIL: cwachter@hsbroward.com
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County Animal Care and Adoption Division, and the Humane Society of Broward County (HSBC) have joined forces to save dozens of cats from a hoarding situation in Fort Lauderdale.
With assistance from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, approximately 88 cats were removed by Broward County Animal Care and Adoption Division from a storage facility in Fort Lauderdale, where the cats were found in a bug-infested storage area stacked with filthy crates, each of which housed numerous cats. In addition, the unit lacked air conditioning, which contributed to deplorable and hot living conditions. Despite the situation, many of the cats are friendly and healthy.
To help these pets in need, a special "Purr-ever Home," event, featuring waived adoption fees, will take place this weekend, July 18th and 19th, from 11AM to 2PM, at the Broward County Disaster Recovery Center, 3100 NW 19th Terrace, Pompano Beach. The center is used by Animal Care for special emergency situations.
According to Christopher Agostino, President and CEO of the Humane Society of Broward County "we will be taking our mobile spay/neuter unit and members of our veterinary team to the Pompano shelter on Friday to sterilize the felines that will be available for adoption over the weekend. In addition, they will be vaccinated, micro-chipped and receive a Broward County Rabies Registration tag. HSBC adoption staff will also be available on Saturday and Sunday to assist with the adoptions. This is an unfortunate situation for these felines but thanks to the private support HSBC receives from its donors, we - and you - are able to help so pets like these can have a better future. "
The remaining cats will need additional help and care. Foster parents are needed for three of the female cats who are nursing a litter of kittens. In addition, rescue organizations are asked to assist with the remaining cats who are still a bit shy or possibly feral. For rescue and foster information, please e-mail rescue@broward.org.
"This situation is a prime example of how our shelters and the community can come together in order to provide a second chance for pets in need," said Lisa Mendheim, Public Education Coordinator, Broward County Animal Care and Adoption Division. "Together we are on a mission to ensure that these cats get the care and the homes they deserve."
Fort Lauderdale Police are continuing their investigation of the cats' former owner.
About Animal Care
Broward County Animal Care and Adoption Division is dedicated to providing shelter for lost and homeless animals. The agency provides access to hundreds of shelter pets hoping for a new home. Please prevent unwanted animals and have your pet spayed or neutered. For more information about the agency, visit our website, or "like us" on Facebook.com/BrowardPets.
About the Humane Society of Broward County
The Humane Society of Broward County is conveniently located at 2070 Griffin Road, just a block west of I-95. The HSBC is a private, non-profit organization supported by donations from people and companies who want to help us help the animals. The shelter receives no government funding and is not affiliated with any local or national organization with a similar name. To learn more visit www.humanebroward.com