So frustrated with the cat hoarders

[spinbaby]

Without getting into too many details, I’ve been working for years to contain a cat hoard. Think nice well-meaning old people, gigantic house, dozens of feral cats. I’ve not been in the house, but you can smell it from outside. We’ve removed ten cats and kittens. We’ve fixed and returned nineteen. Every cat stinks and has diarrhea. The humans claim not to notice. I’m positive there are dead cats in the house.

What’s really frustrating is that there is so little help to mitigate situations like this. Our backward red county provides no animal control for cats. We have, and all their neighbors have, reported them to our local government where the response has essentially been a shrug. Local animal rescue groups have been some help, but are overwhelmed.

[hlthe2b]

1. I assume you have been working with the county health department?

They would have jurisdiction for health hazards eminating... Ask to meet with the county health officer (the Director may or may not be a physician or other health professional, but the health officer typically is).

[CurtEastPoint]

2. thank you so much for helping them.

What about the people's family members? Can they help?

[mopinko]

3. have you tried getting a well being check on the people?

obviously, they are living in unacceptable conditions, and need help.
might put the thing on a different track.

[spinbaby]

4. How does one do that?

So far, we’ve dealt only with assorted local authorities who are incredibly disinterested.

[mopinko]

5. is there a dept of aging?

or even a 911 call for a welfare check, instead of an animal complaint. i think that plays out differently.