Question
Hi there. My number one worry is for the cats. If this leads to them going to a kill shelter, I don’t want that at all. I honestly don’t know who to go to with this, but I can’t stop worrying about them.
A woman on the Nextdoor app keeps requesting food and items for cats, and I brought over a bunch of toys and supplies under the impression that she had taken in six cats. I thought she was helping cats in need. However, when I showed up, the house did not appear to be accommodating.
I never went inside, but word on Nextdoor is that all of the cats are locked in a downstairs basement room without windows. She posted that it is cold down there and asked for space heaters while begging for more food. I then found out she actually has 19 cats locked down there. I am extremely concerned for these cats being confined together, especially knowing that this woman has no job and a 15-year-old child. Are these cats being properly fed? She has said she wants to start a nonprofit. Is there any way a wellness check could be arranged so someone who knows what to do can check on them?
I am so sorry, I feel bad because she may mean well, but I am worried about whether these cats are going to be okay.
Answer
Animal cruelty and neglect are against the law in every state. Georgia’s cruelty law states, in part: “A person commits the offense of cruelty to animals when he or she: (1) Causes physical pain, suffering, or death to an animal by any unjustifiable act or omission; or (2) Having intentionally exercised custody, control, possession, or ownership of an animal, fails to provide to such animal adequate food, water, sanitary conditions, or ventilation that is consistent with what a reasonable person of ordinary knowledge would believe is the normal requirement and feeding habit for such animal's size, species, breed, age, and physical condition.” The police, sheriff, animal control, and local humane societies can be contacted to do an investigation. Ideally, a person who personally witnessed the poor conditions would be the complainant since that is more likely to trigger an investigation. In any event, any person with knowledge about the mistreatment/neglect of animals should contact law enforcement authorities. Also, sometimes social services and public health agencies and organizations, if contacted, will intervene and that may result in helping the person and animals.
Occasionally, people who are not very bonded with their animals will agree to give the animals away or sell the animals so sometimes concerned individuals will attempt to help in this way, particularly when law enforcement officers don’t take action.
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