By Laurie K. Blandford

ST. LUCIE COUNTY — Most of the now more than 80 cats taken from a home here to the county’s Humane Society are expected to be healthy and flea-free for adoption by the end of the week.

David Robertson, Operations Manager of The Humane Society of St. Lucie County, checks on one of the 85 cats rescued from a home in Port St. Lucie. (Eric Hastert/TCPalm)

“Remarkably, most of the cats are in very good health,” said David Robertson, the shelter’s operations manager.

Port St. Lucie officials have not released information pending an investigation into the home at 3266 S.W. Ronlea Court where the cats were found Monday afternoon in deplorable conditions. No charges were filed in connection with the cats and home as of Tuesday afternoon.

Almost every cat had an overwhelming amount of fleas, Robertson said.

A few cats were treated for eye infections that caused sight loss. About five cats suffering from upper respiratory illnesses are being treated with antibiotics.

Sadly, he said four newborn kittens with umbilical cords still attached died. Their nursing mom couldn’t be found among the largest amount of animals the shelter ever has received at once.

“This is extremely rare,” Robertson said. “We’re packed to the rafters.”

Three to four cats are in each cage, he said. The shelter is using cages and areas not normally utilized. It’s working with other agencies to find, at least, temporary homes.

The shelter plans to spay and neuter all the cats, as well as deal with any arising health issues.

Robertson said each cat’s treatment is at least $60 to $80. He plans to use the shelter’s animal emergency fund supported by donations and fundraisers. The fund has helped animals like Seline, the one-eyed dog, and Holly, the dog dragged behind a truck.

One of 85 cats taken from a home in Port St. Lucie peers out from a cage inside the Humane Society of St. Lucie County after being checked over by the veterinarian staff at the shelter on Tuesday. (Eric Hastert/TCPalm)

Officers responded Monday to a 911 hang-up call and found the home also filled with fleas, flies and feces. They had to wear bags on their shoes and masks on their faces when entering the home.

Because there were no children and people in danger, officers didn’t arrest the renters but handed the investigation over to the city’s Animal Control Department.

The St. Lucie County Property Appraiser lists the home as being owned by PK Port Saint Lucie No. 1 LLC, 7950 Poppy Hills Lane in Port St. Lucie.

HOW YOU CAN DONATE:

Go to the St. Lucie County Humane Society at 100 Savannah Road in Fort Pierce

Call the humane society at (772) 461-0687

Visit the humane society’s Web site at www.hsslc.org

HUMANE SOCIETY FUNDRAISER:

What: Dog Walk for the Animals in honor of Holly, a dog dragged by a truck who has found a new home

When: Saturday, March 13 from 1 3 p.m.

Where: Animal Hospital of West Port St. Lucie at 2662 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd.

Information: All proceeds go to the Humane Society of St. Lucie County. The fundraiser features a carnival, bounce house, cotton candy, popcorn, pizza and dogs welcome

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at 10:06 pm and is filed under Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie County. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.