A Sad Day Brings Call For Help -

  When a man in his 50’s was evicted from his rented Suffield township residence, Portage APL was called into action.  The man, who obviously loved cats, but was unable to afford getting them spayed or neutered, surrendered 44 adult animals in various states of malnutrition and health to Portage APL humane officer Steve Chapman and Shelter staff.   Eight of the cats, after examination by a veterinarian had to be euthanized.  The remaining 36 cats are being treated and housed at the APL Shelter on Infirmary Rd. outside Ravenna.

 “This gentleman tried his best to care for these animals, but over time his resources simply could not keep pace with need and he became overwhelmed. “ said Chapman.  “He knew the names of each cat and felt great remorse at having to part with them.  It’s really sad.” 

Overnight, Shelter staff worked to move cages and animals in order to place all 38 cats into the intake section of the shelter.  “We have no idea what these animals may be bringing into the shelter over and above fleas and ear mites,” noted APL board president Karen Carmany.  “We need to protect the current Shelter population as best we can.”   All animals had received standard intake treatment and tests by early Friday morning, but pre-existing conditions or illnesses are yet to be assessed.

 “This single case will increase our cat population by more than a third,” note Bev Bickley, shelter manager.  That means we are going to need more food, litter, bleach and clean rags and we need them right now!”

 Because this surrender will result in thousands of dollars in increased medical costs to the APL, contributions to the Portage APL Emergency Medical Fund are requested.  Anyone willing to help can either contact the Shelter at 330-296-4022 or go online to www.portageapl.org/donate_online and make a donation to help.