161 Cats Removed From CO Woman’s Home in Group Effort by Rescue Groups

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By Karen Harrison Binette

In a cooperative group effort, Colorado animal rescuers are handling the big job of removal and placement for 161 cats living with a Colorado Springs woman who is moving and unable to take the cats with her. According to news reports, the cats appear to be well socialized, healthy and well cared for, and were housed in large kennels in the woman’s house and garage.

The rescue operation came about by chance when Laura Lampley, a volunteer with Denver-based Colorado Animal Welfare League, spent two days in the hospital following a cat bite. Bored, Laura was browsing Craigslist when she saw a listing titled ‘Cats in need of homes.’ Laura guessed the number might be 15 or 20 and was taken aback to find the actual number of cats to be in excess of 150. The online post was placed by a friend of the woman keeping the cats. Laura contacted the friend, discovered the magnitude of the situation, and set to work calling in help.

Laura emailed every animal rescue group in the Colorado Springs area and had a crew ready to go within 48 hours, equipped with crates and food. She said, “It is pretty amazing, I think that is the biggest miracle, that all these rescues came together.”

Life Is Better Rescue  came out from Lakewood with a large van to take the cats from the home. The cats were distributed among 13 area rescues. Organizations helping out include, Wild Blue Animal Rescue and Happy Cats Haven both of Colorado Springs, Pet Project of  Pueblo, Life is Better Rescue of Lakewood, Every Creature Counts  of Fort Lupton and Almost Home Adoptions of Westminster.

Carolyn Spillner, who went into the home, said “A lot of the cats, you could tell, had been socialized. A lot of the cats were with her all the time. No feral cats, which was good.” A sample group was tested as part of the initial wellness assessment, and all were negative for FIV and FeLV. Rescuers say the move will be stressful for the cats, but they are expected to be ready for adoption in a week or so.

Laura Lampley commented on this article, saying ” I can say they will be much better off in rescue; I saw most of the cats in person, all had horrible ear mites, and many had no whiskers due to fights breaking out with cats living in such close quarters. I know the folks at most of the rescues and have seen their facilities who took in cats and can assure everyone they are in a better place. They were in a windowless basement for 8 years, I don’t know how that is considered “better” than living on even the streets.”

Expenses for the cats’ rescue and care are expected to run into the thousands. The participating organizations are accepting donations to help meet those costs.

The woman who had the cats is not under investigation or being charged with any offenses. One of her stipulations in handing over the cats was that her name and location be kept private.

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13 thoughts on “161 Cats Removed From CO Woman’s Home in Group Effort by Rescue Groups”

  1. Angela Bryan, thank you for the clarification! I guess it WAS A LOT WORSE than the story first suggests. At least they’ll receive proper care now.

  2. I sincerely acknowlege all the time and hard work of all the people involved in rescuing these kitties.

    AND I also ask the question: Does anyone really believe that there won’t be another 160 cats in this womans house three years from now if her identity is forever hidden?

    Why? Because like most or all hoarders she has an untreated illness; her family and those who know her protect and hide her; and because somehow, at least according to the story as reported, she negotiates an agreement to remain annonymous.

    Out of all the rescuers who now know who she is and where she lives, I appeal to the consciences of each one of you to expose her, and to report her to those who might be able to monitor this woman and prevent an identical situation from developing in the future at the hands of the same woman with the same unaddressed illness.

    If no one comes forth and discloses her to the authorities there will be NO consequences, No deterrent, No oversite, NO help, to keep her from repeating what she’s just done – to the huge detriment of another 160 cats.

    It’s one thing to help our dependent and mistreated little ones. It’s another to be a part of it’s guaranteed repeat.

    Bob

  3. Angela

    Did you see my post a couple days after your most informative one? Who was this woman? And did anyone you know of report her to any authorities?

    I heard she may have kept some kittens. If that’s true you know for sure there will be 160 more in 3 years, living just like these were.

    Let me know. Thanks

    Bob

  4. There is always going to be sorrow in this world, and it is difficult to say which path is best to follow……because no path will have the best answer. You reveal this woman, and it causes other hoarders to go underground. You don’t reveal this woman and you save 167 cats….. maybe she learns from her mistake and gets help, or she repeats the tragedy. In the end, we can only do a little good in our corner of the world. You can play the Judge, but it doesn’t really help anyone or any creature. I thank the people who try to do good in a messed up world. Actions toward good, are much better than words and critism.

  5. Amen I believe they were very decieved by this woman she stops her car in middle of the road if she feels that there’s a kitten close. She runs and hides if someone calls or she feels a call has been made.

  6. This is a dishearting thing you’ve done Coroldo, she NEEDED more from you as your citizen you should have taken care of her. Were you eating her CAT NIP?

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