For the first time in its history, the Welland SPCA was forced to shut its doors today to look after more than a hundred cats, surrendered by a local homeowner.
There are new born kittens and adults up to about five years old. It was all hands on deck at the Welland SPCA today to care for nearly 100 cats.
John Greer is the executive director at the animal shelter. He says they got a call from Niagara Police Thursday to go to a home in the area of King Street and Ontario road in Welland.
They discovered 146 cats.
Greer says it took a full day to remove the cats and transport them to the shelter.
A little playful touch but most of the animals wanting to rest, a common behaviour after being under stress.
To Greer’s surprise, most of the cats were in good health when they were surrendered.
An investigation is underway to determine why the resident had so many cats. greer suspects possible hoarding but believes the homeowner did not have any ill-intention towards the cats.
According to a bylaw in Welland, homeowners are allowed a maximum of three cats.
The Fort Erie SPCA volunteered to take 30 of the cats to help minimize the burden in Welland. 30 others have gone to the cat adoption centre at the Seaway Mall.
There will be an adoption event next weekend at the Petsmart in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls.
The cats cost $100 to adopt.