Local Agencies Help Elderly Resident with Cat Overpopulation Problem
The SPCA of Westchester’s Director of Humane Law Enforcement, Ernest Lungaro, was called by the White Plains Police Department in early October regarding a woman who was housing as many as 19 cats in her White Plains home. Complaints regarding odors coming from the woman’s house prompted the investigation.
Lungaro visited the house and recommended that the SPCA’s veterinarian, Megan Caulfield, DVM, assess the situation.
In addition to calling SPCA, White Plains Police also reached out to Westchester County Adult Services and the White Plains Building Department since it appeared the woman might be having problems with removing trash from the residence as well as cleaning up after the cats.”
Caulfield and several veterinary staff members from the SPCA examined the 19 cats and provided them with antibiotics and appropriate vaccinations. Eleven of the male cats were neutered. “Nearly all of the cats were 10 years-old or older,” said Caulfield. “They had upper respiratory infections. Moving senior cats from the house would cause additional stress and probably more illness. We wanted to find a way to leave them with their caretaker, but make certain they received veterinary attention.”
“I’m pleased that we could offer these services to the resident,” Lungaro added. “And besides helping to curb unwanted litters, neutering male cats can reduce spraying and odor. We will follow up with the situation as will the other agencies involved.”
The SPCA of Westchester, Inc. is a no-kill, nonprofit animal shelter located in Briarcliff Manor, NY. The SPCA of Westchester is the only organization in Westchester County that is mandated by New York State to enforce its animal cruelty laws. The SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Division Confidential Hotline number is: (914) 941-7797.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
