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“I have worked in animal rescue for over 40 years, and this was by far the worst case of animal neglect and cruelty I have ever seen. I have a strong stomach, but this was gut-wrenching!!”
These are the words of one of our Trustees, who along with members of our dedicated team, this week rescued 24 cats in some of the worst conditions we have ever seen from a tiny bungalow in Liverpool.
Following the eviction of the tenants, it was found that at least 36 cats and kittens were living in terrible conditions on the property. They had never gone outside, they were starving, breeding with kittens being cannibalised due to lack of food.
Originally believed to be to be 36 cats, 20 of the friendliest and healthiest were taken by a large national animal rescue charity, leaving the Housing Association in a desperate situation with the remaining 16 black and black & white cats. They reached out to several rescues but were unable to find anyone to help. Though not our area, WAW stepped in, immediately assessing the situation and despite being totally full to the rafters, we could not leave them to suffer and longer, so we did everything we could to urgently create a temporary space for them to go.
“We cannot see animals suffer like that, just left to die like rubbish. The stench in the home was indescribable and the thought that people lived there with these cats literally blows our mind.”
By 10pm that evening, following hours of work, 21 cats had been caught and were safely at the rehoming centre – relieved to be out of that hellhole, to breath clean air, drink fresh water and have plenty to eat. Traps were left just in case there were any more cats hiding in the furniture, and we had three more the following day!!
As you can imagine, the cats are in a disgusting state, covered in their own waste, some with injuries including burst abscesses and burnt feet and feeling extremely overwhelmed. They have all been seen by the vet for a full assessment and are getting lots of TLC so we can help them on their road to their new life.
We don’t like to ask, but we are appealing for donations to help cover the £1,000s these cats are going to cost us in care, vet treatment and neutering etc. You can donate safety and securely in a variety of way, and no amount is too small - click here to find out ways to donate.
The cats, who are used to living together, were put into temporary, safe housing at WAW, whilst we longer-term options were explored.
We would like to give a massive thanks to Everton Catch Cat Watch part of Cats Protection Community Team who helped catch the cats and to the following rescues who have stepped in to help out, with Boote Home For Cats taking two, Liverpool Cat Welfare and Cat Protection St Helens for both taking six each.