A recent case of cat hoarding in Waukesha County has led HAWS,the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County, to ask for the community’s help, and for residents to take action to prevent further occurrences of animal hoarding.
When is “many” considered too many? Animal hoarding, as defined in this circumstance, is when an owner/caretaker has more pets than they are able to care for properly. HAWS’ Spay-Neuter Initiative Program (SNIP) and Project Guardian both offer free or low-cost surgeries to community residents, effectively decreasing cat over-population.
HAWS stresses the need for community involvement to help eliminate future hoarding cases. Notes Executive Director, Lynn Olenik: “People often don’t find out until the animals start to suffer.”
Rather than allowing a situation to become uncontrolled, HAWS and Waukesha social service representatives ask any resident of the County, concerned that someone may have too many pets, to seek help for that person. Reports can be made to HAWS at 262-542-8851 or the Department of Health and Human Services at 262-548-7212 or 211.
HAWS is caring for nearly 50 cats that were surrendered by a single Waukesha County resident. Olenik says the shelter is “treating all those we feel we can help. Most of the cats were ill and suffering, and living in deplorable conditions.”
Olenik stated as the cats are stabilized they will be placed up for adoption. Until that time, the shelter needs the community’s assistance with donations of cat food, cat litter and towels. Residents are also asked to donate money towards medications for treating upper respiratory infections and for deworming, and to sponsor spay-neuter surgeries for these cats – all costly items for HAWS to sustain.
HAWS, a non-profit organization established in 1965, assists over 6,000 animals each year and welcomes more than 31,000 human visitors to our shelter annually. As an open admissions and full service shelter, HAWS assures sanctuary for animals in need while offering educational programs and a myriad of services to promote responsible pet ownership and prevent animal abuse. The shelter is located at 701 Northview Road in Waukesha, Wisconsin. For more information call (262) 542-8851 or log onto our website atwww.hawspets.org. Friend us on Facebook at “HAWS Waukesha.”
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