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70 Animals Seized in Cruelty Case In Newton, NH
NHSPCA Overflowing with Cats

On Wednesday, June 18th, the New Hampshire SPCA Field Services Division assisted the Newton Police Department and the Newton Animal Control Officer, Kim Mears. The NHSPCA Disaster Response Team of Volunteers was activated and responded to the scene to assist in removing 64 Maine Coon cats, 2 Guinea Hens, 3 Rabbits and a German Shepard dog from a home in Newton, NH. All of the animals were living in unhealthy conditions and each is significantly underweight and requiring medical attention.

Most of the cats were found in crates and cages with overflowing litter boxes in the basement. The air in the home, when tested for ammonia levels, registered 35 parts per million. "People and animals should not be exposed to ammonia levels higher than 25 parts per million over the course of an 8-hour period," said Steve Sprowl, NHSPCA Field Services Manager. "Exposure to high levels of ammonia can cause brain damage and even death."

The New Hampshire SPCA staff and Disaster Response Team Volunteers arrived at the home at approximately 4pm on Wednesday and began to remove the animals. The group arrived back at the NHSPCA facility in Stratham at 7:30 pm and began the process of evaluating each animal's condition. Each received a veterinary medical check by Dr. Susan Denault. The process took until after midnight before each animal had been checked, and provided with food, water and a safe place to recover. According to Jen Corbin, Director of Animals Services, there were 3 litters of kittens among those rescued. Many of the animals arrived with contagious medical conditions such as Upper Respiratory Infections and eye and ear infections. They were all flea infested and several had open sores resulting from flea allergies. Most of the cats were also suffering from various stages of dental disease. Despite their medical condition Ms. Corbin reported that most of the cats were very tolerant and affectionate.

The New Hampshire SPCA is already in the throws of the Cat and Kitten season with over 200 cats in the building before this rescue. "In the first hour that our doors were open on Thursday morning, while most of the staff was still working to process all of these beautiful Maine Coons, we took in an additional 12 unwanted, homeless cats," said Lisa Dennison, Executive Director. "They just keep coming. Our community is very generous and we are really counting their help with this crisis."

The cats will receive the medical attention that they require as well as dental treatments, and will be spay/neutered and microchipped, but will be made available for adoption as soon as possible.

Here is how you can help:

Those wishing to help with the care, medical treatment, and recuperation of these animals can make a tax deductible contribution to the NHSPCA. Donations can be made to the SOS Fund BY CLICKING HERE or by phone at (603) 772-2921, x105 or by mail to SOS Fund, PO Box 196, Stratham NH 03885.

Also needed is canned cat and kitten food, kitty litter, wood pellets, paper towels and washcloths.

The New Hampshire SPCA is a community resource center that provides animal adoption, education, investigation and sheltering services in a professional and compassionate way. The Adoption Center is open from 11 am – 4pm on Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 am – 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and closed on Wednesday. For more information about the NHSPCA, visit www.nhspca.org.

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