Below is a link to a video regarding a property we responded to on Thursday and Friday. It's an ongoing investigation. We were concerned most of the cats we impounded were almost beyond saving -- but they are now on the mend and responding well to treatment and care.
Our county partners with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, and Code Enforcement also responded.
The property owner, a woman, was transported to an area hospital for observation; sorry, we do not have an update on her status.
Regarding the animals we impounded: they are considered confiscated pets and we will hold them until the legal time requirement and then seek positive outcomes for them. All told, we impounded:
- 10 cats (alive) on Thursday; 2 additional cats discovered on Friday; six dead cats discovered at the property (these were also transported)
- 4 beta fish (one has since expired)
- 3 dogs (an additional dog was discovered deceased at the property)
- 1 tortoise
Please note: the felines were in very poor health upon impound; some were so lethargic, they did not respond to wet food. Of the live cats impounded, two were euthanized.
The cat featured prominently in the video (getting prepped for the IV drip) is, I am happy to say, much more lively; my colleagues in the Veterinary Services Division reported that she responded well to the fluids and is now much spunkier.