National nonprofit Alley Cat Allies working with local groups, Tri-Lakes Humane, SAAF and CARE
For Immediate Release: October 10, 2014
Contact: JOHNNIE SIMPSON, [email protected] or (240) 482-3895
STONE COUNTY, MOOver 40 cats used to call White Eagle Woods trailer park their home, but after poisoning and other animal cruelty allegations were reported, the cats are being removed and rehomed. Staff and volunteers from Tri-Lakes Humane Society are trapping the cats and bringing them to their no-kill shelter in Reeds Spring, Missouri. The cats will be spayed or neutered and vaccinated at Springfield Animal Advocacy Foundation’s SAAFhouse clinic. Socialized cats will be put up for adoption and any unsocialized catsalso referred to as feral catswill be relocated to area barn homes by Castaway Animal Rescue Effort (CARE). The cats’ medical expenses are being covered by a grant from Alley Cat Allies.
“The primary concern is the health and safety of the cats,” says Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies. “It is illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to kill a cat. We are glad the authorities are taking this case seriously and we offer our full support.”
Two animal cruelty investigations are underway at the trailer parkone by the Humane Society of Missouri and another by the Stone County Sheriff’s department. There are reports that trailer park management distributed a letter to residents requesting they leave “a bowl of antifreeze out” to poison the cats, and declared “an all out assault on all stray cats.” At least two cats were found dead on the property by investigators.
Local animal groups and volunteers sprang into action when news broke about the cruelty allegationsbut the cruelty allegations makes it clear humane education is still needed in the community.
The Humane Society of Missouri is scheduling a town hall meeting in late October. Cruelty Investigator Mike Langford will talk about preventing cruelty and supporting community cat programs.
If you are interested in adopting a cat, please visit www.tri-lakeshumanesoc.org.
More information about Alley Cat Allies, please visit www.alleycat.org
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About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has over half a million supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities, and organizations save and improve the lives of millions of cats and kittens nationwide. Its website is www.alleycat.org.