Rescued cats, kittens fill SPCA shelter

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

Kings SPCA’s new animal care centre was put to the test earlier this week - even before officially opening its doors.

June 26, the Kings County SPCA took in 13 kittens and three adult cats following an animal seizure conducted in Port Williams by provincial SPCA investigators. These animals are now housed at the new Kings County SPCA Care Centre in Waterville and will be available for adoption after their 10-day quarantine period.

Several days later, Kings SPCA officials were asked to provide shelter for 20 cats seized from a home in Port Felix, Guysborough County, June 24. A total of 64 cats and 25 dogs were rescued in that operation. “The Metro (Halifax) shelter is full and they have asked us to take some cats to help them out,” said Kings SPCA president Belle Darris. The group’s Waterville shelter was in the process of getting ready to open when they were called upon. “All of these new cats and kittens are in addition to the numerous cats and kittens we already have in our foster homes, and it is imperative that we get these animals adopted as quickly as possible,” Darris said.

Anne and Heather Morrison, members of the Metro-based Advocates For Responsible Pet Ownership, transported the cats from the city to the Waterville Shelter June 29. They brought shelter volunteers and staff up to speed on each cat’s medical records and care schedules. The cats were are now settled in their temporary home in Waterville.

Darris said the cats rescued in the Port Felix seizure were living with very little socialization. She is confident, once they are placed in a family home and given love and attention, “they will come out of their shells. “What is needed now is a response from the public. People wanted a shelter for animals in Kings County, and now we have one. So the time has come for them to do their part and help us find homes for these cats.”

Anyone interested in adopting a cat or kitten is encouraged to log onto the SPCA’s website. “That will get the ball rolling for the adoption process,” Darris said.

Opening the doors for the two groups of rescued cats came while shelter officials were in the midst of recruiting volunteers and getting the care centre up and running. “There is still lots to be done,” explained Darris. Once the volunteer base has been established, the shelter will open to the public, likely as soon as the latest group of seized cats completes its quarantine period.

In the meantime, the shelter is seeking donations of pet food, assorted supplies and volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, including some maintenance and construction jobs.

WEBLINKS

www.kingsspca.com