Contact: Lisa Bloch
415-506-6256
Center inundated with cats as same mysterious party leaves boxes of cats and kittens overnight –
adoption fees for cats and kittens waived until the end of August
NOVATO, August 14, 2014—For the fourth time in the past 18 months, a large group of cats and kittens was
anonymously abandoned in cardboard boxes at the Marin Humane Society (MHS) in the middle of the night.
Twenty-four cats and kittens—believed to be from the same group of people who’ve abandoned cats at MHS three
previous times—were left outside the facility in Novato.
“It’s clear the hearts of those who dropped off these animals are in the right place, however it’s important we find
out where these cats are coming from so that we can offer assistance including spaying and neutering so this
overbreeding doesn’t continue to happen,” commented Director of Customer Services, Keri Fennell.
MHS is extremely busy vaccinating, microchipping, spaying/neutering, and medically and behaviorally evaluating
these additional 24 cats on top of normal shelter operations. To help alleviate the overcrowding, MHS is waiving the
adoption fee for all cats and kittens until the end of August.
MHS staff quickly realized this group of cats and kittens was related to the previous ones as almost all are black
and white, “tuxedo” cats. In total, more than 100 of these cats have been abandoned at the shelter. None had been
spayed or neutered.
Footage taken from security cameras confirms that it is the same vehicle that has dropped off cats before, however
identifying information is not clear. MHS officials comment that no one will be held liable or will be in trouble for
abandoning the cats but they’re hopeful the responsible party will get in touch with the shelter to provide needed
information. “Right now, it’s a guessing game,” added Fennell.
“It would be so helpful to have some information about the cats and kittens,” added Animal Care Manager,
Samantha Winegarner. “We noticed one of the female cats was lactating but we weren’t sure which kittens were
hers or if her kittens were even a part of the group that was dropped off. Fortunately, we were able to reunite
momma and kittens but precious bonding time was lost.”
The Marin Humane Society Adoption Center (171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato) is open Tuesday through Sunday,
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 415.506.6225 or visit
MarinHumaneSociety.org. For those who would like to help MHS care for animals in need, financial contributions
can be online at MarinHumaneSociety.org, by calling 415.506.6259, or by mailing a check to: Marin Humane
Society (c/o Development Department), 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato, 94949.
The Marin Humane Society offers refuge, rehabilitation, and support services to more than 10,000 domestic
animals and wildlife each year through myriad community services, including adoptions, foster care, behavior and
training, humane education, pet assistance for people in need, lost-and-found pet services, and more. MHS is a
local, independent organization and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization. In addition to our role as
non-profit animal shelter, MHS is responsible for upholding county and municipal animal services ordinances
through a Joint Powers Agreement contract with the County of Marin. Visit MarinHumaneSociety.org.
