INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Fifteen cats previously cared for by inmates at Palm Beach County’s Belle Glade Correctional Facility will now find forever homes in Indian River County. The cats will be ready for adoption Nov. 22.
With approximately 100 cats facing an uncertain future, staff from Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control brought the animals to their facility last week to assure their safety and well-being and contacted the Indian River County Humane Society to ask for assistance in placing some of the cats.
Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Director Dianne Suave, staff members Gina DiPace, Marguerite Panzarello and Judy Elsey and Indian River County Humane Society veterinarian Lyndall Soule were instrumental in coordinating the transport.
“Feline felons? Hardly. The only crime these kitties will commit is stealing the public’s heart,” said Director of Education Janet Winikoff. Some of their names are Chubby, Garfield, Murphy, Joe, Margo and Violet.
The cats sheltered at the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County will be available for adoption beginning Nov. 22, while the cats in Palm Beach County are already ready for new homes.
The Humane Society transported the “Furry Fifteen Gang” to Indian River County last Tuesday and have been given time to settle in at the shelter.
“Whenever possible, the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County is always happy to lend a hand,” said Humane Society Director of Animal Care Maria Ramirez. “We know shelters like Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control would help us in an emergency.”
To hasten their adoption, the Palm Beach County shelter sterilized, microchipped and vaccinated the cats prior to their Indian River County journey. The females even have tattoos – “cat tats” on their bellies to help veterinary professionals confirm they have been spayed even after their tiny surgical scars disappear.
For more information, to adopt or to make a donation to the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, please call (772) 388-3331 ext. 10. Palm Beach County residents hoping to adopt or make donations in their county can call Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control at (561) 233-1272.
