FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Cumberland County Animal Services along with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a complaint of animal neglect and hoarding in the 3200 block of Marigold Drive. Animal Services staff has removed 54 cats, nine dogs and one Bearded Dragon from the residence due to unsanitary conditions. Two deceased animals were also removed from the property.
Many of the cats are suffering from upper respiratory infections and several of the dogs and cats have ringworm fungal infections. The animals are receiving appropriate medical treatment under the guidance of the Shelter Veterinarian.
Animal Services would like to thank the Sheriff’s Office for their help with this case. Any decisions regarding criminal charges would be handled by that agency.
“It is always heartbreaking to deal with animal hoarding, because usually the individuals involved start out with good intentions,” Animal Services Director Elaine Smith said. “Their lack of ability to see issues in animals under their care can result in very serious cases of neglect.”
Charitable animal rescue organizations such as Paw Project of Dunn, NC are helping by taking in some of the animals, but the shelter also needs help from the public to find homes for cats and kittens.
“Including the animals from this case, we have more than 170 cats and kittens currently under our care,” said Smith. “People who have room in their homes and hearts for a new pet can really help our situation by adopting one of our many wonderful animals.”
The shelter also accepts donations of pet supplies and is particularly seeking cat litter and both dry and canned cat and kitten food. Monetary donations may also be made to the county’s Animal Medical Fund to offset the costs of medical treatment for these animals.
The Cumberland County Animal Shelter is open this week Monday through Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and will be closed Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the Thanksgiving holiday. The usual adoption fee of $70 for cats will be waived this week. The adoption fee for dogs is $100.
For more information about Cumberland County Animal Services including regular hours of operations, go to cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/animal-services-group/animal-Services.