PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. —
More than 100 cats and kittens rescued from a hoarding situation in Port St. Lucie are now receiving medical care and nourishment at the Humane Society of St. Lucie County.
Port St. Lucie Animal Control removed the animals over the course of three days last week, with the first group arriving at the shelter on Tuesday.
“Some were clearly showing symptoms of upper respiratory. The majority of them had ear mites. They were all covered in fleas. There were a couple that had open sores, from scratching at the flea, scratching at the ear mites and some other issues,” said Sarah Wees, executive director of the Humane Society of St. Lucie County.
Three pregnant cats gave birth shortly after being rescued, with one too weak to care for her kittens. Those newborns were rushed to an emergency foster home for round-the-clock care, while others remain at the shelter.
“We have kittens who are nursing on cats that may or may not be their mom because we really can’t tell who belongs with whom because they were all in the same house together,” Wees said.
The Humane Society is receiving assistance from American Humane, a national organization that supports local communities during large intake cases or natural disasters.
“She reached out to me, and by Thursday morning I was on property, and helping just work through those initial days, and also coordinating some volunteers and additional staffing to come in to help with additional personnel,” said Taylor Nickelsen, a certified animal responder with American Humane.
Nickelsen said their efforts are making a difference, with many of the cats showing significant improvement.
“We stay as long as we need to be able to provide the relief that is needed, which ultimately our goal is to help get these animals on their way to foster and on their way to adoption,” Nickelsen said.
Port St. Lucie police are monitoring the case to determine if any criminal charges will be filed.
In the meantime, the Humane Society is seeking donations and volunteers to help care for the rescued cats and kittens.
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