Community Corner
20 Cats Seized in Rescue Investigation Up for Adoption In The South Bay
Authorities said the cats had been kept in inhumane conditions but are now ready to find homes.
HAWTHORNE , CA — Twenty cats removed this week from a Pomona animal rescue under investigation over allegedly inhumane conditions were available for adoption Friday after being transferred to an spcaLA shelter in Hawthorne.
The cats arrived Friday morning at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles South Bay Pet Adoption Center, according to the organization. They range in age from 2 months to 12 years.
The animals were transferred from the Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA to help alleviate shelter capacity following Monday's animal welfare operation involving Furget Me Not Cat Rescue, a nonprofit animal rescue registered in Pomona.
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"When communities face crises like this, we do what we can to support both animals and our partners in the field," spcaLA President Madeline Bernstein said. "Transferring animals into our care frees up space and resources for IVHS to focus on the most critical cases."
Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA and Upland Animal Control searched multiple properties Monday in Claremont and Upland as part of an animal welfare investigation into Furget Me Not Cat Rescue.
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Authorities reported finding more than 500 living and dead cats and nine living dogs across properties associated with the rescue.
In addition to animals found living in what authorities described as inhumane conditions, the remains of multiple dead cats were discovered buried in a backyard, while other remains were found inside a freezer in a garage, according to the Inland Valley Humane Society.
Authorities obtained search warrants after receiving reports that cats associated with the rescue were being kept in inhumane conditions. Investigators also collected expired medications for human use, used needles, pet carriers, animal food and other evidence from the properties, officials said.
The surviving animals were being evaluated to determine their medical, behavioral and housing needs, officials said earlier this week.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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