An
elderly woman in West Virginia living in poverty has been unable to care for her collection of pets at her home. Over the years, the woman had accumulated around 30 cats - but without any income to pay for food, trash services, veterinary care, or other necessities, the cats quickly began to suffer.
By the time authorities intervened, the cats were malnourished, "sick and dying."
This woman clearly needed - and still needs - assistance. Sign the petition to urge officials to help!The home reeked of cat urine and feces when officials arrived, partially due to the fact that in her neighborhood, trash collection is not automatic - and she didn't have the money to pay for it. The cats were in desperate need of medications.
Luckily, authorities were able to rescue all 30 cats, which are now receiving the veterinary care they need and are being nursed back to help. The woman has been charged with animal cruelty.
This type of situation, sadly, is only going to become more common given the economic conditions in the U.S.
Rather than wait until animals all over the country are in worse and worse shape and need emergency interventions, we must demand assistance for pet owners, starting with this woman!
Sign the petition to urge West Virginia officials to provide this woman with the mental health assistance and financial assistance she needs, so that she is no longer living in such a precarious situation!