Large-scale cat rescue in South Florida
Update: Month-Long Effort Results in the Transfer of Hundreds of Rescued Cats for Rehabilitation
12/22/09
One of the largest cat rescues in US history came to an end Monday, December 21st, after the closure of a rural South Florida cat sanctuary led to the transfer of hundreds of thin and diseased cats to other agencies for rehabilitation. Read more.
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Update: Former Sanctuary Cats Now Seeking Loving Homes
12/9/09
Meet Mr. Merck and Livingston!
 
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Update: Meet The Kitties
12/7/09
Visit Petfinder.com to 'meet' some of the cats still looking for placement!
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Update: Meet "Mr. Big Guy"
12/4/09
Mr. Big Guy suffered from a painful eye condition in which inverted eyelids rubbed hair on his corneas every time he blinked. Mr. Big Guy was one of 10 cats transferred back to Gainesville for care by Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program. Mr. Big Guy underwent plastic surgery by Dr. Caryn Plummer and Dr. Michala de Linda Henriksen to correct his condition and will soon be available for adoption.
 
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These friendly kitties are among hundreds rescued when a large sanctuary closed in Hendry County, Florida last week. All of the cats have been examined by a veterinarian, microchipped, tested for FeLV/FIV/HW, and treated for parasites. Most cats have already been spayed or neutered. At this time there are approximately 120 healthy friendly cats, 250 healthy feral cats, and 115 sick cats in need of placement. Please note that references must be provided as part of the transfer or adoption/reclaim application, but there is no adoption fee for cats in this rescue event.
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**Update**
12/1/09
Are you an adopter, transfer agency, or veterinarian working with one or more of these cats? The University of Florida Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program has developed an information sheet addressing their particular medical needs and considerations.
Placements are still needed! Please submit your transfer request or adoption/reclaim application to dougmorgan@citylabelle.com or Fax to 863-675-0037.
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**Update**
11/25/09
At this time there are approximately 200 healthy friendly cats, 150 healthy feral cats, and 175 sick cats in need of placement! Will you help?
Here’s what you can do:
Rescue / adoption groups: transfer cats to your agency
Original guardians: reclaim your cats
Private individuals: adopt and provide new forever homes for cats
With this number of animals, there is great need. We sincerely hope you’ll find a way to join the effort on behalf of these cats. There are many very friendly felines that crave attention; some cats are declawed.
These cats find themselves looking for something to be thankful for this holiday – please submit your transfer request or adoption/reclaim application today!
Return your completed form to:
Scan and Email: dougmorgan@citylabelle.com
Fax: 863-675-0037
If you have questions, contact the City of LaBelle Animal Control at 863-675-3381.
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**Alert**
11/19/09
The City of LaBelle Animal Control department has accepted custody of approximately 600 cats following the closure of the Tenth Life Sanctuary in Hendry County.
A team of veterinarians from Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida will examine all of the cats November 23-25. The UF VETS program in collaboration with partners from HSUS, ASPCA, and other regional humane agencies have already performed a preliminary assessment and will set up a field hospital to triage and treat the large number of cats. Although many of the cats are ill, the team hopes to save as many as possible finding capable placement partners that can take them in.
All cats have been spayed or neutered and microchipped. They will be vaccinated, treated for parasites, and tested for FeLV and FIV prior to transfer to other agencies. Several important infectious diseases, including herpesvirus, calicivirus, giardia, cryptosporidia, and tritrichomonas have been identified in the population, so appropriate isolation capacity must be available at the receiving agency.
Many of the cats are feral and require placement in highly enriched confinement or a free-roaming situation. Relocation of feral cats is especially challenging and requires a careful acclimation plan.
Transfers will begin on Tuesday November 24. The friendliest cats will be available for immediate transfer on that day, while remaining cats will likely require treatment. If your agency can provide a second chance for these cats, please print and complete this application and submit it as soon as possible. More information will be available following processing of your application.
Download the Application
Return the completed form to:
Scan and Email: dougmorgan@citylabelle.com
Fax: 863-675-0037
Cat pickup is by appointment only. Please do not arrive without a confirmed appointment!
If your organization previously brought animals to the Tenth Life Sanctuary and would like to reclaim them, please complete and submit an application. Make note of the original owner/agency's name and the animal's original microchip ID.
Private individuals interested in adopting should contact City of LaBelle Animal Control at 863-675-3381.
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