We’re at it again! At the request of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Madison County Animal Control, the ASPCA is on the ground in Florida managing the rescue of hundreds of cats. The animals were found living in overcrowded and filthy conditions at a non-profit cat sanctuary known as Caboodle Ranch. This is the largest number of cats the ASPCA has ever had to remove from one location in the course of an animal cruelty investigation.
“After receiving numerous complaints regarding the care of animals at Caboodle Ranch, we’re glad that the appropriate enforcement action is being taken,” says Sheriff Ben Stewart with the Madison County Sherriff’s Office.
Many of the cats are exhibiting signs of severe neglect and appear to be suffering from upper respiratory conditions and eye infections, among other medical issues. Responders are also uncovering numerous deceased cats on the property.
“This is a tragic situation. Caboodle Ranch was clearly overwhelmed with hundreds of cats in dire need of medical treatment,” says Tim Rickey, Senior Director of the ASPCA’s Field Investigations and Response team. “The sanctuary had no adoption or spay/neuter programs in place to manage its current population.”
In addition to the ASPCA, numerous agencies from throughout Florida and others from as far away as California have stepped in to help with the massive rescue. “Our immediate goal is to work quickly to remove these cats from the property and safely transport them to a temporary shelter, where they will be triaged by a veterinary team,” adds Rickey.
As of this morning, responders continue to pull cats from the property. The founder of Caboodle Ranch has been arrested and multiple animal cruelty charges are pending.
Please stay tuned for more breaking news on the Madison County rescue.
