- Colorado, USA -
Two separate visits made at AWR Cat Tails Rescue, which were conducted by the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR), resulted in a total of more than 100 cats being seized.
KOAA News 5 reports that the second visit took place on October 28, when 78 cats were removed.
Ms. Gretchen Pressley, the Community Relations Manager for HSPPR told KOAA News 5 the cats were being kept in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
Some of the furbabies needed mental attention and dental procedures.
Sue Lynch, HSPPR's chief veterinarian said: “The challenge with this case is the number of cats that had ringworm that we had to treat. All of the cats had to be quarantined because half of them were exposed to ringworm and half of them had ringworm. A lot of them needed tooth extractions and those have all been performed and the cats are doing well.”
Sadly, two of the furbabies had to be put down due to their severe conditions.
The owner of the Pueblo-based nonprofit rescue AWR Cat Tails Rescue, is run by SHELLEY MCPHERSON (pictured below).
According to Ms. Pressley, HSPPR has been working for months with MCPHERSON “trying to get a resolution.”
HSPPR says the organization has legally obtained rights to the animals because MCPHERSON has not paid fees to care for them.
MCPHERSON has now been charged with animal cruelty and even though the shelter is reportedly closed, according to News 5 Investigates, her web site is still up and soliciting donations.
MCPHERSON is scheduled to be arraigned on January 28, 2021.