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WHS rescues dozens of cats from hoarding situation

 Alliance Insurance Centers, LLC matching all donations for the cats

MILWAUKEELast Thursday, May 31, Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) staff responded to a request from Chief Deputy Ed Janke of the Oconto County Sheriff’s Office to remove cats from deplorable conditions at a residence in the county. WHS staff were heartbroken to find dozens of sick, injured, and fearful cats in a single home; some were even deceased.

The WHS team worked swiftly to get the cats out and left humane traps for any others on the property. In total, WHS is now caring for 42 of the 60+ cats between their Milwaukee, Green Bay and Ozaukee Campuses. Other cats were taken to the Oconto Area Humane Society. Every cat needed medical attention and most had issues ranging from missing eyes to ear, skin, and eye infections. Many of the cats are incredibly shy and fearful of people, having been deprived of proper care for so long. They are safe now, but have long recoveries ahead.

When Alliance Insurance Centers, LLC in Green Bay learned about this situation, they graciously offered to help. The company is matching every donation for the care of the cats, up to $2,500. Donations can be made at wihumane.org/donate or by calling (414) 431-6119.

If you are interested in adopting one of these cats, WHS advises to keep an eye on their website at wihumane.org/adopt. Some of the cats are expected to be medically cleared later this week; others may need weeks of care before they are healthy enough for adoption.

If you believe someone is struggling with animal hoarding, it’s important to reach out for help. It’s a serious mental health problem that can quickly spiral out of control, affecting not only the animals, but the owners, their families and community. Call your local law enforcement, animal welfare organization, health department or mental health agency for supportive resources.  

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin.  It was founded in 1879 and operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Brown, Door and Racine Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis.  The organization offers adoption services, educational programming, veterinary resources for animals from low-income households, retail stores, volunteer programs and dog training classes. The Milwaukee shelter also houses the state’s largest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.   WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. For more information, please call (414) 264-6257 or visit wihumane.org.


  • Tuesday, June 5, 2018
  • For immediate release
  • Media Contact: Angela Speed
  • 414-431-6104
  • aspeed@wihumane.org