The seizure of 176 animals from a socalled rescue organization in Buda late last year resulted in the largest influx the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter had ever had to handle. But despite what has been called inhumane conditions under which they had lived, all but 10 survived the experience.
The 161 cats and 15 dogs were taken in November and early the next month, 47-year-old Melissa Caffey, who allegedly ran The Leisure Cat (TLC) Animal rescue, was arrested and charged with 10 counts of felony cruelty to animals and two state jail felony counts of endangering/abandoning a child. She was released a day after her arrest on $30,000 bond.
“This was the largest seizure case our animal shelter has ever had to deal with and the deplorable living conditions and poor health of the animals made it even worse,” Animal Services Manager Kara Montiel said.
On Thursday, the city featured five seized cats now ready for adoption as “Pets of the Week” and on Friday, released statistics about other seized animals.
Although some of the animals were microchipped, most did not have current registration associated with the chip. Other chips linked the animals to “various shelters and rescues” including the Lockhart Animal Shelter, TLC and its fosters and “various cat trappers from Austin.”
Only one cat and two dogs were returned to their owners. Many of the cats were suffering from Histoplasmosis at Buda home and it proved fatal to three. Others, however, recovered. One human rescuers who was not identified was also infected with the disease but received treatment.
A total of 56 cats and six dogs had been adopted as of Feb. 8 and 70 cats and four dogs transferred to other shelters or rescues. Eleven cats were released to areas they could serve as barn cats after being spayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Seven cats are still undergoing treatment. Nine animals — seven cats and two dogs — were euthanized.
“These statistics are a direct reflection of the dedication of our staff, our shelter veterinarian, our amazing local volunteers, and the valuable crews from Animal Investigations and Response (AIR) and Red Rover,” Neighborhood Services Director Jeff Caldwell said.
Adoption fees for the remaining seized animals has been reduced to $1, which includes spaying/neutering microchipping, rabies and kennel vaccinations and city license.
Montiel said the fact that 85 percent of the animals were nursed back to health is an “amazing accomplishment.”
