INDIANA AVENUE HOARDER INTERVENTION

The Situation   *   How You Can Help   *   Adopting   *   Questions?

       On Thursday evening, October 20, 2011, SCHS was asked by the City of Sheboygan Police Department to help them in a hoarder intervention. An anonymous tip had led police to a home on Indiana Avenue in Sheboygan, where they found a middle-aged couple and over 50 pets living in horrendous conditions.

       According to news reports, the couple loved their pets, but things just got "out of hand." The results were around 50 pets (mostly cats, but also a few dogs and birds) living amid feces and filth. Reports say that the smell of urine was so strong it burned the noses and throats of rescuers, and the house has since been condemned.

Fox 6 News Report

TMJ4 News Report

  Dedicated staff member from SCHS responded to  the call for help from the P.D. Five members of the SCHS team worked through the night and into Friday to get the animals to safety, feed them and provide initial health care treatments.     All in all, a total of forty cats and four small dogs were taken to the SCHS shelter.

       Six birds were also seized by police officers and went directly to the Center for Avian Rehabilitation and Education. SCHS is grateful for the Center's swift response, amazing skills with the birds, and willingness to help.

       Each of the dogs and cats now housed at SCHS has been evaluated and is receiving medical care. The four dogs are all doing fine. Some were matted and had flea infestations, but they have received grooming and treatment.

       The cats were suffering from fleas, ear mites, upper respiratory infections, and eye infections -- some severe -- and most are underweight. On Friday, the Sheboygan Animal Clinic on Calumet Drive offered assistance to examine and treat the cats in most need of care -- and they have our heartfelt thanks!

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

       Our most serious need right now is for cash donations to help us supply the medications these animals need. This case was unexpected so the expenses will hit us very hard! Please send cash donations to:

Sheboygan County Humane Society
Indiana Ave. Animal Medical Fund
3107 North 20th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53083

       You may also donate online, using the PayPal button below. After you log into your PayPal account, you'll see a "Note to seller" line under your name and address. Please click the "Add" link, and type in that you wish your donation to be used for the Indiana Avenue Animals Medical Fund!

       SCHS is also in need of cleaning supplies, paper towels and cat litter at this time. Please drop these items off at our shelter during our regular business hours:

WANT TO ADOPT?

       The dogs and cats rescued during this intervention will be available for adoption through SCHS just as soon as they are determined to be healthy enough to go to their new homes.

       At this time, we have not been able to evaluate their personalities or possible long-term needs. No visitors, please, until they have had ample opportunity to rest and recover from their ordeal!

       However, you can fill out an adoption application to be pre-approved for one of these animals. You can pick up an application at the shelter, or download one from this website, fill it out, and mail, fax, or drop it off at SCHS.

       Be sure to indicate on your application that you are interested in helping one of the Indiana Avenue animals.

SCHS Adoption Application (pdf)

       As with all pets adopted from SCHS, these dogs and cats will be current on their routine shots, and spayed or neutered prior to adoption!

       (Cats over 1 year of age will also be eligible for our "Can't Buy Me Love" $20 Adult Cat Adoption Event -- click for details!

"Can't Buy Me Love" $20 Adult Cat Adoption Event

HAVE A QUESTION?

       This intervention/seizure took place under the authority of the City of Sheboygan Police Department. Questions about the case may be directed to them.

       If you have questions about the animals at SCHS, or how you can help the shelter during this emergency, PLEASE E-MAIL manager@MySCHS.com.

       We ask that you not telephone the shelter with questions at this time, as our staff is very busy caring for the animals.