Help Needed After Over 50 Cats Rescued from Horrific Conditions in New Iberia, Louisiana

In a distressing incident that unfolded last Saturday, the New Iberia Police were summoned to a residence on Fontelieu Street's 500 block. Upon arrival, officers were confronted with a harrowing sight as they interviewed the resident, more than 50 cats and kittens were living in squalid and unsanitary conditions.

KLAX ABC 31 reported that police promptly reached out to the Iberia Parish Rabies Control (IPRC) to assess the dire situation. Animal control officers swiftly inspected the house and declared it unsuitable for the cats' habitation.

The interior was plagued by a noxious odor of waste, with piles of filth covering most of the living space. Shockingly, many of the cats appeared frail, ailing, and in desperate need of medical care, requiring anyone entering the premises to wear respirators for their own safety.

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With the local shelter ill-equipped to house and treat such a large number of cats, Erica Capak, Director of Iberia Parish Rabies Control (IPRC), made a crucial call for help to the Humane Society of Louisiana (HSLA). Recognizing the urgency of the situation, HSLA agreed to provide financial support to aid in the rescue mission. Subsequently, 21 of the sickest cats were promptly removed from the residence and relocated to the Iberia Animal Clinic, where they are currently isolated.

The condition of these rescued cats was dire, with many suffering from flea infestations, anemia, and various other ailments. In a testament to the urgency of the situation, one of the rescued felines gave birth to multiple kittens on Tuesday night. Others are currently undergoing treatment for corneal ulcers.

IPRC is gearing up to rescue the remaining 30-odd cats from the property as soon as space becomes available. While the owner has surrendered the cats, the investigation remains active, with authorities keeping a watchful eye on the situation. Additional humane societies have also pledged support by offering to board and treat some of the pregnant cats.

Expressing gratitude for the rapid response and the collaborative effort, HSLA emphasized the enormity of the task at hand, which will require significant resources. To assist in covering the costs associated with housing and treating these cats, a fundraiser has been set up on Facebook here and on GoFundMe here. The organization aims to raise several thousand dollars to meet its financial needs but has only achieved less than half of the required amount thus far. In addition, checks and money orders can be mailed to HSLA at P.O. Box 74032, New Orleans, LA 70174. It is important to note that all donations are tax-deductible.

For those interested in adopting one or more of these rescued cats, you can reach out to the shelter at 337-364-6311. The adoption fee is set at $70 per cat, which includes sterilization surgery, a microchip, a rabies tag, and a health check. Most of the cats rescued are orange and grey tabbies.

For more information, please visit its website at www.humanela.org.