HUDSON, N.Y. – The Columbia‑Greene Humane Society/SPCA is facing an unprecedented surge in cat intake after three animal‑cruelty seizures in one week. The shelter now has 158 felines under its care, stretching staff, volunteers and resources to the limit.
Seizures overwhelm shelter capacity
According to Ron Perez, CEO of the Columbia‑Greene Humane Society, the recent seizures have tripled the facility’s typical intake for this time of year. “It’s a huge burden for an organization our size, not just for staffing. Everybody’s doing the overtime. These animals have to be medically treated, spayed or neutered, and health‑tested,” Perez said.
The majority of the cats were taken from a single home by the Catskill Police Department last Thursday. Perez, who assisted in the seizure, described the conditions as “unlivable” and “condemned,” adding that the environment was unsafe for both animals and humans.
Free adoptions to help the cats find homes
In response to the crisis, the humane society is offering free adoptions for all animals through Saturday. Nicki Armsby, Acting Director of Animal Kind, said the 40 cats rescued from Thursday’s seizure will also be available for free adoption once they recover sufficiently.
Armsby warned that moving a cat more than twice within a two‑week period can cause a 100% rate of upper respiratory infections due to stress, so the shelter is handling each animal with extra care.
Call for stronger animal‑cruelty enforcement
While focusing on the immediate needs of the cats, Perez also criticized New York’s current animal‑cruelty statutes. He argued that many offenses are treated as misdemeanors and never entered into a registry, leaving repeat offenders unchecked. “In Greene County and Columbia County there’s something about this. It’s just a misdemeanor, and they’re never on the registry. I think Columbia County needs to take a look at this registry,” he said.
The shelter encourages community members to submit adoption applications in advance, noting that same‑day approvals cannot be guaranteed. Applications are available through the CBS6 Albany website.
How to help
Residents who wish to adopt or support the shelter can visit the Columbia‑Greene Humane Society’s adoption page or contact the facility directly. Volunteers are also needed to assist with feeding, cleaning and socializing the cats as they recover.
With the combined effort of law enforcement, shelter staff and the local community, the hope is that each of the 158 cats will find a safe, permanent home and that stronger animal‑abuse registries will prevent future tragedies.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
