26 cats rescued in hoarding case, Portage APL 'inundated' with kittens

RAVENNA, Ohio - The Portage APL rescued 26 cats in an animal hoarding case and is running out of room for all the neglected kittens.

Just in the last two weeks, the Portage Animal Protective League said it is "inundated" with cats and it’s already “kitten season,” which is brutal on the agency’s already limited budget.

Executive director Chalan Lowry said the 26 cats were malnourished and sickly, suffering from lack of proper care and food. The cats ranged in age from 6 weeks old to adults.

“It is very sad to see animals living in these conditions. We are not sure how many will make it, but we are trying to give them every chance possible,” Lowry said. According to Lowry, another 20 or more cats still need to be rescued.

"Hoarding has truly become an ongoing problem in our community. It can stretch our resources beyond the breaking point if we do not find help,” Lowry said.

On Wednesday morning, a box of four kittens was dumped on the steps of the APL, according to the agency. Another kitten was rescued with a broken leg and two others were brought to the shelter without their mother.

The Portage APL usually has 50 to 60 cats in their care, but including animals in foster care and the latest rescues, there are now more than 110 cats. The organization is also at its maximum capacity for dogs.

The Portage Animal Protective League is a private, non-profit group that relies heavily on donations to operate. To donate to the Portage APL, call 330-296-4022 or go to their website for more information http://5.wews.com/pob