Groups Say No to Cats Seized from Royal Oak Pet Hoarders

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Animal rescue organizations have taken in about half of the 84 cats rescued from Royal Oak pet hoarders earlier this week, but the remainder may be euthanized of a qualifying nonprofit group doesn’t step forward.

The Oakland County Animal Control Division made an emergency appeal Wednesday to nonprofit animal rescue groups to take in the cats, saying the shelter lacked the capacity and the resources to give them proper veterinary care.

Many of the cats have been infected with ringworm, a fungus that is highly contagious to both humans and animals. Because of that, the Animal Control division said the cats aren’t eligible for adoption by the general public.

Related

• 84 Cats, 7 Dogs Rescued from Royal Oak Hoarders
• Oakland County Needs Help with 84 Cats Rescued from Hoarders

A spokesperson at the county’s pet adoption center told Patch Friday that groups have been coming forward to take the cats, but many remain at the Pet Adoption Center in Auburn Hills.

“We’re putting the word out by phone, social media and the news media that we need help with these cats,” Oakland County director of public services Mark Newman said in a statement. “So far, the response has been limited.”

“Our veterinary staff has been completely occupied caring for these cats,” Newman said. “They have not been able to return to their routine of monitoring and supporting the health of the other animals at the shelter.”

If no nonprofit group organized under 501(c)3 of the IRS code steps forward within 10 days, the cats will be humanely euthanized in accordance with an Oakland County Board of Commissioners ordinance.

Four of the cats were euthanized within 24 hours of their arrival at the Pet Adoption Center because they had diseases of advanced stages, including one with feline leukemia.

“We want the best possible outcome for these cats,” Newman said. “We’re doing everything we can. But if other organizations continue to refuse to help us, we regrettably will have no choice but to put them to sleep.”