Central California SPCA, Fresno, CA https://ccspca.com Helping Animals since 1895 Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:13:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Feral Cat Management https://ccspca.com/animal-welfare/feral-cat-management/ Sun, 19 Jun 2022 07:00:07 +0000 http://ccspca559.wpengine.com/?p=28865 Feral cats are free-roaming domestic cats that have lost contact with humans or have never had contact with humans and have become unsocialized to human contact. Feral cat colonies are groups of feral cats living in close proximity to one another, reproducing freely and threatening native wildlife populations or domestic animals through predation or disease.

Free-ranging cats also act as sources of dangerous diseases that have serious implications for human health. Allowing cats to range freely outdoors is dangerous and inhumane for the cats as well. During their time outside the home, cats are at risk for vehicle trauma, large predators, disease, and adverse weather conditions.

Therefore, CCSPCA supports efforts to encourage responsible pet ownership, to keep domestic cats indoors or controlled on a leash and to manage feral cat overpopulation by establishing alternatives to feral cat colonies. We perform feral cat spay/neuter surgeries for the public as well as rescue organizations and will continue to do so because we support the spaying and neutering of cats to help end the overpopulation of unwanted cats in our community. We do not support the deliberate establishment of feral cat colonies and the release of feral or unwanted cats outdoors with such programs as TNR (trap/neuter/neuter/release) or SNR (shelter/neuter/release).

Here is some good advice from PETA: “If your local shelter is considering adopting a policy of refusing to admit cats or abandoning them outdoors in order to avoid including them on their annual intake and outcome statistics, remind shelter officials that their top priority should be animal welfare and safety—not deceptive, feel-good statistics.”

Learn more here:

 

]]>
Found a Stray? The Facts of Pet Ownership https://ccspca.com/blog-spca/found-a-stray-the-facts-of-pet-ownership/ Fri, 04 Sep 2020 18:12:20 +0000 https://ccspca.com/?p=32990

By Jesse Boyce, Field Operations Manager/Humane Officer

“I’m not giving her up, she’s my dog now. I’ve had her for over 30 days,” the gentleman says after I identify the actual dog owner via an implanted microchip.

I already know the answer before I ask the question, but I ask anyway.

“Who told you that the dog becomes yours if you keep it for more than 30 days?”

“They did,” he says.

If I didn’t know better, I’d have sworn storm clouds were, in that moment, filling the horizon behind me.

They. It’s always “they.” Throughout the last couple of decades, I have yet to uncover the members of this secretive group that started the rumor – that finding a stray animal becomes your property, as long as you’ve had it for an increment of time. The amount is always in constants of three: 3 days, 3 weeks, 30 days, etc.

What follows is always a repetitive discussion. I explain the same thing in different words until the person I am speaking to comes to the realization that whatever “they” told them about pet ownership is not how it actually works.

Here’s how pet ownership works in the state of California:
Pets that can be legally owned are considered personal property. Your TV, your car, your clothes, your wallet, and everything else you own that is movable, is personal property. This includes your pet.

If you’re out walking and find a bag full of money, it doesn’t become yours after a certain period of time. The same goes for stray domestic animals.

The only legal way to take ownership of a stray domestic animal (thus preventing the original owner from reclaiming their pet, or claiming you stole it) is by adopting from an animal control agency or rescue organization that has taken the stray animal from an animal control agency after it has served a mandated stray holding period.

There are no laws to support any exceptions to this rule, and there is the potential for “your new pet” to end up with its rightful owner if the person demands it, and is willing to go to court.

I am by no means a lawyer, nor am I giving legal advice (property laws fall outside of animal control/pound services’ jurisdiction), but what I’ve seen and read regarding who gets to keep Fido, when it comes to civil court rulings, depends on if all reasonable efforts were made to locate the owner. “All reasonable efforts” could include, but may not be limited to, the following:

  • Posting in various online lost/found pet directories/forums like Facebook groups, Neighborhood apps, websites such as FindingRover, etc.
  • Making “found pet” posters and posting them around your neighborhood and the neighborhood where you found the stray animal.
  • Filing a found pet report with your local animal control agency and browsing through their lost pet logs.
  • Having the pet scanned for a microchip at a vet or a shelter. If a microchip is found, it is your obligation to deliver the pet to your local animal control agency to have them try to contact the owner and return the pet. You are able to adopt the pet if no owner comes forward and it serves the warranted stray holding period. This is the most sure-fire way to secure yourself as the pet’s owner!

If your local animal control agency refuses to take the pet and it has a registered microchip, attempt to contact all individuals registered with that chip by phone, mail and email (if listed). I’d also document if an animal control agency declined to take the animal from you. Something in writing or on a recording would be your best option.

In addition, I recommend keeping all bills associated with caring for the pet, as this may have the potential of allowing you to place a lien, a form of security interest granted over an item of property to secure debt payment, on the pet. The owner may be required to pay within a certain time frame or forfeit their rights to the pet.

]]>
What You Need to Know About Pet Emergency and Disaster Preparedness https://ccspca.com/blog-spca/pet-emergency/ Fri, 17 Apr 2020 06:29:49 +0000 https://ccspca.com/?p=32274 Blog Post Basic-How Pet Owners Need to Prepare for Emergencies

During these difficult times, CCSPCA is committed to helping you know what actions to take to be sure you and your pet are healthy. While there is currently no evidence to support the transfer of COVID-19 to animals, it is important to take all necessary precautions to keep you and your pets safe.

If you’re not infected with COVID-19, you can safely interact with your pet but should continue to practice good hand hygiene and social distancing. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, out of an abundance of caution, we recommend limited interaction with your pet.

Emergencies and natural disasters come by surprise and can quickly throw your schedule, plans, and critical thinking out the window. To prepare for the unknown and reduce future anxieties, it’s wise to have an emergency plan in place. However, many people forget to include their pets in these plans, which sometimes results in pets being left behind. Pets are a part of your family and should always be accounted for (especially in these situations). So, we’ve developed some tips to help create your pet emergency plan.

Pet Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Checklist

A pet emergency plan will make life so much easier—you will be prepared on several fronts and less likely to find yourself panicking.

Create an Emergency Kit for Your Pet

A good pet emergency kit will have a sturdy pet carrier with your pet’s name and your contact information. If you have a dog, your information should also be on their collar ID tags. A spare and trustworthy leash will also help to put your mind at ease, so your pet can remain safely by your side and not get loose. We also strongly recommend microchipping your pet in case you somehow do get separated. Be sure to have at least a two-week food and water supply for each pet that you own, too.

You will also want a way to clean up after your pet when they relieve themselves or if they get sick, as some pets get a nervous stomach when they sense change and panic. Let’s briefly break it down, as it depends on what type of pet you have. For cats, a litter box and litter is essential. As for dogs, you should do fine with plastic poop bags. Also, plan to have two weeks’ worth of medication if your pet takes any. The last thing you want is to run out of essentials when you may not be able to reach your vet.

On a related note, in case of a pet health emergency, it’s a great idea to have your pet’s medical records on hand so they can more easily get treatment. Gather their vaccination records, prescription records, and medical history and keep them in a safe spot.

Make a Plan for Alternative Housing

Have a plan in place for where you and your pet might be able to stay during an emergency. Not every facility allows animals, so you will have to keep that in mind. One idea is to ask out-of-town friends or relatives if your pets can temporarily stay with them. There also may be boarding facilities, animal hospitals, or shelters where your pets could stay if you cannot return home immediately and you’re at a hotel that does not permit them.

After you find a place to house your furry friends for the short term, ensure you’re adding all the necessary contact information of those facilities to your emergency kit. It’s also possible you might not even be home during the start of a disaster. If this is the case, have a neighbor or nearby friend that you trust evacuate your pets to safety. You may want to have them practice evacuations for a smooth process in your absence.

Practice Evacuating Your Pets

Training your pets to not fear their crates/carriers will help in the event of evacuation. You want a carrier to be a comfortable and safe place for them so there will be limited resistance when time is of the essence. If you have a pet that hides when they are scared, scope out these places in advance during non-emergencies. It will be beneficial for you to always know their favorite hiding spots so you can find and retrieve them quickly.

Be sure to also practice safe handling, as your pet might behave differently in a disaster or emergency. It’s always best to be prepared in any scenario.

What to Do During an Emergency or Disaster

The following are some handy tips you will want to keep in mind regardless of the type of situation you find yourself in, so you will know how to act accordingly. When you are informed ahead of time, you can save yourself from trouble later.

Shelter in Place With Pets

If you have to shelter in place, bring your pets indoors immediately and close off any unsafe areas—including dog doors, cabinets, etc. It is crucial for you to stay calm throughout this process. Animals are perceptive; they can detect your moods and become stressed if they notice you are too. Stress makes things more difficult for everyone involved.

Be sure to comfort your pet if they are afraid and instruct whomever is caring for them to do the same. During stressful situations and changes in routines, it’s also within the realm of possibility your pet could run away from home. Be ready to contact local shelters if your pet goes missing.

If You Have to Evacuate With Your Pets

The same rule of thumb about staying calm applies to this situation as well. Another thing to note—and you may think this is a no-brainer but you’d be surprised how many times it has happened—don’t forget your pet! When a lot is going on, you may not process everything as clearly as usual.

While doing all you can to comfort your pets, grab all emergency kits. And, as mentioned previously, find an adequate place for you and your pets to stay.

Keeping Yourself and Your Pets Healthy During a Disaster

Whatever the type of pet emergency or natural disaster—whether it is a pandemic, flood, or major storm—you should wash your hands frequently, especially after handling your pet, their food, or waste. While it may seem tempting because they’re cute and loveable, avoid letting your pet lick your face or hands in uncertain times. There are other ways you can accept and return their affections: cuddles, pets, smiles, laughter, treats, gentle ear rubs, and walks (if possible) all express clean signs of gratitude.

If your pet licks your hands or face (this sometimes seems inevitable with particularly hyper or excited animals) make sure you wash thoroughly right away. Similarly, keep your pet up to date on all vaccinations, and if you are aware of a contagious bug spreading, don’t let them interact with other animals. There will always be time for your pets to have play dates at another point, and this will help protect both you and them.

Regularly clean cages, litter boxes, and carriers and wash their bedding, as well. It’s also a good plan to avoid stagnant water, as germs can grow there quite well. If you come across puddles of water, don’t let your pets drink or play in these potentially contaminated areas.

Now, Relax. You Know What You Need to Keep You and Your Beloved Pet Safe—No Matter What

During these trying times—or any others you may encounter in the future—always keep your plan updated and in a place where it can be located in a flash. You and your pet are in this together, and odds are, if you just breathe, collect your thoughts for a brief moment, and heed our advice, you can both weather any storm—literal or not.

To keep an emergency from becoming a pet emergency, check out our COVID-19 resources to help keep all your loved ones happy and healthy—whether they bark, meow, squeak, or chirp!

]]>
Top 3 Dangers to Be Aware of When Letting Cats Outside https://ccspca.com/blog-spca/education/letting-cats-outside/ Thu, 12 Mar 2020 12:25:59 +0000 https://ccspca.com/?p=31329 Top-3-Dangers-to-Be-Aware-of-When-Letting-Cats-Outside-

A cat’s desire to roam the “jungle” outside can be traced back to their distant ancestors. Whether strolling a fence line, lounging on a roof, hunting for birds or mice, or prowling their ever expanding territory, how safe is your feline friend when left outdoors? Should your cat be kept inside?

Since the invention of kitty litter in the 1940’s, there has been a shift from cats staying outdoors to indoors. You’ve probably heard people refer to their cats as “indoor” or “outdoor,” which means they either live within the home or are allowed to roam free outdoors. While some cats may enjoy their time outside, it is generally safer for cats to be kept inside. Letting cats outside can pose various dangers to your beloved furry family member and the public.

Many people don’t realize the potential dangers until it’s too late. This article will lay out the most common dangers in letting cats outside.

1. Letting Cats Outside Can Lead to Run-Ins With Other Animals

When a cat is overly confident and territorial, they tend to get into altercations with other animals — especially if they are not spayed or neutered. This can lead to fights, which may cause serious lacerations, bites, infections, and/or the transmission of diseases. Alternatively, an unspayed female could get a little too friendly with a male cat and end up pregnant.

Let’s think about the possibilities that can happen when letting cats outside to interact with other animals. Whether violent or friendly, you may end up with an unwanted scenario for which you were not prepared before reading this.

Attacks by Other Animals

While our discussion will primarily focus on common threats, it is important to note the threats of lesser known predators. Beware of coyotes and other critters such as owls, foxes, or raccoons and even bobcats and mountain lions that have been spotted occasionally in north Fresno along the San Joaquin River. They have been known to make easy prey out of house cats. Now let’s dive into the nitty-gritty.

If your cat is attacked and comes home wounded, you should immediately contact your vet. Antibiotics are essential to help your pet heal from their wounds and when administered within 24 hours, can stop an infection in its tracks.

Bacteria from scratches and bites can result in infections, regardless if the wound is severe or mild. If an unnoticed wound is left to fester, a cat can become gravely ill. Symptoms of a worsening infection include lethargy, pain, swelling, and extensive licking in a certain area more than usual.

Larger animals can overpower your cat in obvious ways, but wounds sustained during a domestic feline dispute also come with the added risk of feline disease transmission. Bite wounds are one of the main ways diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) are transmitted. Thus, prevention and quick treatment is key.

Attacks by the Cat

As a pet owner, you are also responsible for any damages or injuries caused by your pet. If you aren’t concerned about your neighbors’ potential frustrations over your cat’s activities on their property, be aware that you are ultimately liable for your cat’s actions.

Additionally, you might find your cat brings home something they consider a “present” — a carcass of a dead critter. We’ve heard all sorts of stories about dead mice and birds being left on doorsteps, dropped in laps, or even delivered to beds. You probably won’t be happy about it, but cats expect you to thank them for the presents they bring indoors. If you aren’t a fan of their gifts, it’s best to refrain from letting cats outside in the first place. And another important and staggering fact to consider is that according to a Smithsonian Conservation Biology study, free-roaming cats are responsible for the deaths of an estimated average of 2.4 billion birds and 12.3 billion mammals every year.

Mating with Other Cats

Letting unfixed cats outside also leads to animal overpopulation and unwanted pregnancies. If you think you’re prepared for the responsibility of an entire litter of kittens (including the bills and the time commitment), think again. It’s a lot to take on and many people end up giving up cats they can’t take care of which only adds to the huge stray problem and already-overflowing shelters we have here in the Central Valley.

If you let your unspayed or unneutered cat outside, he/she will likely find another cat to mate with. According to The Nest, one intact female cat can produce a dozen kittens per year, which can lead to up to 180 new cats throughout her lifetime (depending on how long she lives). And if those kittens thrive and breed themselves, thousands of kittens could result over the years, adding to the growing pet overpopulation problem. Sadly, the odds of finding each of these offspring a good home and keeping them off the streets are not likely. If you choose to keep them unspayed or unneutered, keep them inside so you can help minimize this growing problem.

2. Letting Cats Outside Can Lead to Pest Problems and Catching Diseases

As nice as the great outdoors can be, we’ve addressed many threats thus far. Another factor to consider are other animals that can also spread diseases and cause harm not only to your cat, but to you and the public as well.

Diseases and Unpleasantries

Rabies from racoons and other wildlife is always an omnipresent outdoor threat not only to your cat but also to you. Unless you are monitoring your cat’s every move while they’re outdoors, you can never fully know all the different kinds of animals they could encounter – or their health for that matter. If you are going to allow your cat to roam freely outside, be sure they are current on all vaccinations. This will help protect them from diseases carried by other critters should they have a run-in with them.

Also know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 300 cases involving human contact with rabid cats happen each year. That number is expected to rise with the increase of “trap-neuter-release” programs, in which cats are abandoned to fend for themselves and exposed to a myriad of dangers, including contagious diseases like rabies, bubonic plague, and typhus. In addition to these diseases, the feces of cats who roam—which are deposited in children’s sandboxes, near creeks and streams, in gardens and parks, and in other areas—can carry parasites that are dangerous to humans, their animal companions and livestock, and native wildlife. Common diseases and parasites, which are more rampant in the excrement of cats allowed to roam, include toxoplasmosis, giardia, coccidia, hookworms, and roundworms.

Though this is rare, be aware your cat could be sprayed by a skunk. While skunks generally won’t spray without being provoked, cats are very territorial and might try picking a fight. A skunk’s spray can get in a cat’s eyes or nose, as skunks have very good aim and can spray from 6 to 10 feet away. The chemicals exerted from skunk secretions can cause inflammation, temporary blindness, or anemia if ingested or breathed. See your vet if your pet was sprayed in the face, if there was heavy or repeated exposure to the spray, or if he or she has red eyes, vomiting, or lethargy.

Fleas and Ticks

Ticks

Ticks and fleas may be tiny, but they can wreak havoc on your cat’s life (and yours). Lyme disease is a particularly dangerous tick-borne illness, as it can affect the musculoskeletal system, neurological system, lymphatic system, eyes, heart, and even the liver.
Dogs, cats, horses, and other animals can become infected, but it is trickier to identify in cats because they rarely develop clinical signs. Not only is it uncomfortable and bad for the cat’s health, they can also be dangerous to you, your kids, or your other pets. If your cat has been outside, they should be checked daily for ticks, especially in the summertime.

Fleas

Fleas can spread diseases too. Both are equally dangerous, though fleas also have the added itch factor and will make your pet quite uncomfortable. Plus, fleas are known to cause anemia, tapeworm, allergic reactions, and infection. If your cat ends up with a severe infestation of fleas, they should be taken to the vet for special treatments or antibiotics. There are also preventative flea/tick topicals and oral medications available for you to inquire about.

If your cat is experiencing unusual hair loss with small, crusty scabbing underneath, they likely have fleas. Look closely for any sign of tiny bugs jumping around your pet’s fur. You can also brush through their coat with a fine-toothed comb to remove fleas and their eggs.

3. Tragic Accidents Can Happen When Letting Cats Outside

Unfortunately, accidents happen and pets are sometimes hit by cars. The driver of the vehicle may not have seen your cat due to blind spots, low light, or the color of their fur. If your furry family member is hit by a car, they need to be taken to the vet right away. Sometimes their injury will only be a minor case of bruising or a broken bone, but you should never try to diagnose this yourself — even if the cat is acting normal. They could have internal bleeding or another medical ailment that is hard to detect without the careful hand of a veterinarian.

When letting your pets outside, you also run the risk of them running away from home. We naturally worry about their well-being if they go missing. What a lot of people don’t think about is how emotionally draining their absence can be or how difficult it is to explain to kids. Cats can cover an impressive amount of ground when they get outside and sometimes travel several miles from home.

While most outdoor cats instinctively know their way home, there is always a chance they decide to wander too far and get lost. One study reported 75% of lost cats were returned safely to their homes, while 15% remained gone for good. While that number may seem small, approximately 15% of families across the country have been devastated to lose their pets. A lost pet has the same heart-wrenching effect as when a beloved pet dies, often with an added element of guilt. You can prevent this kind of loss by not letting cats outside and keeping them under safe supervision in your home.

Doesn’t Letting Cats Outside Make Them Happy? Debunking Common Myths

If you want to avoid all of the risks that we’ve discussed, it’s best to keep your cat indoors. While cats may seem like they want to go outdoors, the safest bet is to create a stimulating environment for them inside so they will be content and fulfilled. Cats can become bored, but the simplest and healthiest answer to boredom is merely to play with them more. Even though they may not seem quite as playful as a dog, they still need enrichment!

Letting cats outside isn’t the worst idea if it’s on occasion and proper precautions are taken. If you feel you must let them out, take note of these tips to ensure their safety:

  • Make sure they’re up to date on their vaccinations
  • Try harness training your cats
  • Create a catio, an enclosure with proper escape-proof fencing

You might even consider trying to make your home feel more like the outdoors. Here are some fun ideas to make the indoors more exciting:

  • Adopt a second animal to provide a playmate (make sure your cats are fixed if you adopt the opposite sex)
  • Modify your cat’s feeder to give the feeling that they have to “hunt” for their food
  • Provide scratching posts instead of trees or perches to watch birds safely from the house
  • Craft a cat playhouse out of cardboard boxes for climbing and hiding
  • Purchase toys that move or make sounds and look like birds or mice they can chase

Whether or not you let your cat outside is ultimately your decision, but indoor cats have been known to live longer, happier lives. We encourage you to reach out to us with further pet questions and take a look at this helpful guide if you’d like to learn even more about cats.

]]>
Mandatory Spay/Neuter Laws https://ccspca.com/animal-welfare/mandatory-spay-neuter-laws/ Mon, 24 Feb 2020 14:59:30 +0000 https://ccspca.com/?p=31965 The CCSPCA does not support laws that mandate spay/neuter of all owned animals within a community; however, based on currently available scientific information, the CCSPCA strongly supports spay/neuter as an effective means to reduce shelter intake. In particular, the CCSPCA supports voluntary, affordable, accessible spay/neuter programs for owned pets, and the mandatory sterilization of shelter animals and dogs and cats prior to adoption.

The CCSPCA does not support laws that mandate spay/neuter of owned animals that come to shelters as strays as a prerequisite of returning them to their owners. However, provisions that incentivize spay/neuter in these situations can be an effective strategy that does not create unintended negative consequences, such as preventing low income owners from reclaiming pets due to inability to pay applicable fees. For example, localities and shelters may consider waiving redemption fees if owners opt to spay or neuter their pets (at no or low cost) to incentivize spay/neuter, ensure it is not cost prohibitive to pet owners, and reunite more pets with their families.

The CCSPCA recognizes that sterilization is currently the best method to reduce companion animal overpopulation and, therefore, to reduce shelter intake and euthanasia. The most important step a humane community can take to decrease companion animal overpopulation is to make a safe, effective, voluntary spay/neuter program available and readily accessible to the community, and create programs and incentives targeted to the populations known to be contributing disproportionately to shelter intake and euthanasia.
]]> Super Low-Cost Vaccination Clinic https://ccspca.com/vaccination/super-low-cost-vaccination-clinic/ Fri, 14 Feb 2020 19:11:43 +0000 https://ccspca.com/?p=31933 Super Low-Cost Vaccination Clinic

Get your dogs and cats vaccinated on the first and third Wednesdays of every month from 8 AM to 12 PM at our low cost vaccination clinic. We offer dog and cat vaccines, microchips, flea/tick preventative, and deworming for extremely low costs. If you’re a city of Fresno resident, we also have our licensing department available for your convenience.

We suggest clients arrive around 7:30 a.m. to avoid long lines, as our clinic operates on a first come, first served basis. We only accept cash and credit/debit cards.

VACCINATION CLINIC REQUIREMENTS

  • Kittens and puppies must be at least 6 to 8 weeks old.
  • All pets must be healthy, eating, and drinking regularly.
  • Pets must not be vomiting, sneezing, and coughing or have diarrhea. If your pet is not healthy, we cannot give them their vaccinations.
  • We require that dogs are on a leash and cats are in a secured carrier.
]]>
Happy Tails Adoption Update https://ccspca.com/happy-adoptions/happy-tails-adoption-update/ Fri, 14 Feb 2020 19:11:14 +0000 https://ccspca.com/?p=31931 Happy Tails Adoption Update

Introducing… HAPPY TAILS ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS! We love receiving messages from you and our furry friends. Here’s a sweet note we received from the Dillon family about their dog, Jax!

If you’ve adopted a pet from us, we’d love to hear from you! Send an email to mypet@ccspa.com for a chance to be featured in a future segment. #CCSPCAHappyTails

]]>
Dog Days at Airways https://ccspca.com/event-calendar/dog-days-at-airways-2/ Fri, 14 Feb 2020 19:10:10 +0000 https://ccspca.com/?p=31929 Dog Days at Airways

In just over a month, we’ll be teeing off at our second annual Dog Days at Airways Golf Tournament and Family Fun Day! We’re so excited, and hope you are too.

This tournament is open to golfers of all abilities and handicaps! Come solo or grab three friends to make a foursome. Bring you families, too, as there’s FREE fun for all-ages throughout the day. To sign up and/or view sponsorship opportunities, visit our website.

]]>
CCSPCA Rehabbing Nine Owner-Relinquished Cats That Tested Positive for Scabies https://ccspca.com/rescue/ccspca-rehabbing-nine-owner-relinquished-cats-that-tested-positive-for-scabies/ Fri, 14 Feb 2020 19:09:41 +0000 https://ccspca.com/?p=31924 CCSPCA Rehabbing Nine Owner-Relinquished Cats That Tested Positive for Scabies

On Friday, January 24, 2020, CCSPCA received a complaint regarding several cats with troubling skin conditions. The reporting party found photos of the cats on a social-media post. A CCSPCA Humane Officer made contact with the cats’ owners, who stated they had reached out to local no-kill rescue groups. However, these rescue groups were unwilling to take the cats in a timely fashion due to a lack of space and/or their medical conditions.

The owner relinquished all nine cats into CCSPCA’s care and upon immediate examination, tested positive for scabies, a zoonotic parasite highly contagious between animals and people.

Scabies mites burrow into the skin of healthy cats, dogs, or humans, and feed on material in/on the skin. Symptoms of scabies include restlessness and intense itching/scratching, which generally appear a week after exposure. Commonly affected areas on cats are the ears and face, but can spread to the entire body.

The cats are expected to make a full recovery and will be available for adoption when they are healthy.

CCSPCA’s mission is to provide protection, placement, and education to ensure responsible animal care. The organization does not turn away an animal due to poor health. The caring medical staff does what it takes to rehabilitate the animals that come through the doors.

The care and treatment for these cats is provided by the Wellness Fund, which is supported entirely by donations from the public. As the only non-profit humane society in Fresno County, CCSPCA relies on donations for the Wellness Fund and other programs. Members of the public are encouraged to contribute in-kind donations to the Wellness Fund online at ccspca.com/wellness-fund-donations-of-medical-assistance.

To report animal cruelty and neglect in the Fresno area, contact CCSPCA at (559) 233-7722.

CCSPCA Rehabbing Nine Owner-Relinquished Cats That Tested Positive for Scabies 3

CCSPCA Rehabbing Nine Owner-Relinquished Cats That Tested Positive for Scabies 2

]]>
Pints for Paws Event Recap https://ccspca.com/fundraising/pints-for-paws-event-recap/ Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:47:11 +0000 https://ccspca.com/?p=31879 Pints for Paws Event Recap 2

Pints for Paws Event Recap

The inaugural Pints for Paws event at Mochuelo Restaurant was incredible! The outpouring from our community on December 19 completely amazed us. Thanks to you, $1,100 was raised for the animals in our care, not to mention a truck bed full of donations (food, litter, toys, etc.). We especially wanted to thank the event organizers and sponsors: Paige Elizabeth, Mochuelo, Hotel Piccadilly Fresno, and Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company — without their love, this third-party fundraising event would not have existed.

]]>
Caruthers Woman Convicted in Animal Cruelty Case https://ccspca.com/rescue/caruthers-woman-convicted-in-animal-cruelty-case/ Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:46:37 +0000 https://ccspca.com/?p=31875 Caruthers Woman Convicted in Animal Cruelty Case

Caruthers Woman Convicted in Animal Cruelty Case 3

On August 3, 2017, a CCSPCA Humane Officer responded to a call regarding a Pit bull who had been run over by a pickup truck on a residential driveway in Caruthers, CA. The complainant stated the man in the vehicle did not stop to treat the dog and was concerned for its well-being. Upon arrival, the Humane Officer located Arliana Mora, who confirmed ownership of the Pit bull named Patron. Mora was aware Patron was sick and suffering, but claimed to be without the financial means to treat him.

Patron was found by the Humane Officer on the driveway in an emaciated condition with visible ribs and hip bones, a genital growth, and infected wounds. Mora also claimed Patron had been recently attacked by stray dogs, but the wounds were at different stages of healing which indicated he had been suffering for some time.

Mora relinquished Patron, who was then taken into custody for examination by CCSPCA’s veterinarian. Medical staff determined Patron was not only malnourished and severely dehydrated, but was also suffering from infected dog bite wounds, broken teeth, a leg fracture, and more. It was then determined Patron had no chance for recovery or a good quality of life. He was immediately humanely euthanized.

Monday, January 13, 2020, Mora plead guilty to felony charges of animal cruelty and neglect. However, her sentencing was postponed for one year and will be reduced to a misdemeanor if she attends humane education classes, pays restitution, and refrains from owning animals.

CCSPCA is grateful for the ongoing support of the District Attorney’s office with animal cruelty cases.

CCSPCA is a non-profit organization that relies on donations for programs and services. The community is encouraged to help abused, neglected, and homeless animals through donations, fostering animals, or volunteering. For more ways to help CCSPCA, visit ccspca.com/support-the-ccspca.

To report animal cruelty and neglect in the Fresno area, contact CCSPCA at (559) 233-7722.

]]>
The Scoop on Spay/Neuter Services https://ccspca.com/animal-welfare/the-scoop-on-spay-neuter-services/ Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:45:51 +0000 https://ccspca.com/?p=31871 The Scoop on SpayNeuter Services

Our Spay/Neuter Services team is the best in the Valley! Sure, we might be a little biased but they are working around the clock to help reduce animal overpopulation and keep your pets healthy. Here’s just a glimpse into the work they’ve done in the fiscal year thus far.

]]>