24 Cats found in Bainbridge residence after tenant evicted
Last week the Pennsylvania SPCA removed 24 cats and kittens from an unsanitary property located in Bainbridge, Lancaster County. The cats and kittens were discovered by the landlord after the tenant was evicted. They were left behind to fend for themselves. According to Sgt. Nicole Wilson, PSPCA Director of Humane Law Enforcement, told me none of cats/kittens had been spayed or neutered.
Most of the 24 felines are very young. There were 14 adult cats including 1 mother cat and her 2 kittens and an additional 8 kittens found inside the apartment.
Most of the cats and kittens were found to be ill when rescued. They are currently being treated at the PSPCA’s shelter hospital.
The owners surrendered all of the felines which will allow them to be available for adoption after they receive a medical clearance.
The PSPCA is still investigating with charges pending its completion.
This is a case of hoarding. How can you tell if someone is a hoarder? The following are a few tips from Cat Behavior Assoicates:
“Basically, if you’re uncertain whether someone just has lots of cats or is actually a hoarder, it comes down to whether that person can maintain healthy and safe living conditions for everyone in the household (animals and humans). If you’re in doubt, it’s time to get a conversation going.”
No matter how disgusted you may be about the living conditions, one has to remember that most animal hoarders don’t realize they’re doing something unhealthy or unsafe. They truly believe they are providing love and care. According to experts, hoarding is often the result of trauma or loss so keep in mind that the person is also in emotional pain.” If you strike up a conversation with a hoarder, confronting the person can result in the person becoming defensive and closed off to you and/or any help. Try a more understanding and caring approach. This can result in the hoarder less resistant to receiving help for the animals.
Anyone with information about the case in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, or other cases involving animal cruelty, should call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.
Amanda says
Hoarding is one thing but to leave 24 cats and kittens to fend for themselves is animal cruelty and criminal. How can you walk away from all those sick cats,? Has she been charged? I’m glad they’re finally safe.
Mr. Bill says
Hoarding is a mental illness. Hoarders can’t feel empathy for anything including animals. Even when their “pets” die, it doesn’t affect them as much as it would for you or me. They need psychological intervention which sadly she probably won’t get.
Amanda says
At least the kitties were found rather quickly.
#dogsrock says
Lancaster county is the worst. I hate knowing what happens there.
Name withheld says
Sick people should never be allowed to have pets ever again.
97Mahalia says
Hoarding is a mental illness but that’s no excuse to leave the cats behind when you move away.
Kat says
Get her mental help for her to better understand her behavior. She is mentally ill and needs help. I keep saying she but it can be both people with the couple. It tends to be more women who are hoarders which is why I referenced a female.
Carlo96 says
Hoarding is so bad for animals. They suffer so badly. The hoarders are unable to see the harm they inflict on the animals which is why they need psychiatric help for this. Paying a fine or jail time is of no help.
Mr. Bill says
true
Ernest E Breau says
Does anyone know the address?
I think I just moved into this house.
Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein says
No, I don’t the address. Sorry. I’m assuming you’re referring to an odor in the house.
Thanks.