Horrific Response From SPCA Monterey County, California

I had a sad thought today about the SPCA. A year or so ago in our town, a lady became front page news because of all of the animals she had and neglected until the SPCA went out to investigate. I didn't know her, and the way she no longer cared for them is inexcusable, (I would go out with a jar and a sign onto the highway to beg for funds for my colony if I ever had to) but I wondered if she asked anyone for help and didn't get it.

The response and support from this incredible community have given me new faith in mankind's humanity and helped me to realize that just turning to people who love animals would be the best way to get help when needed.  But what if she had called the SPCA for help and they refused?

Does anyone know? What is the general policy of the SPCA or ASPCA on helping in situations like that? Is the automatic response to just go in and take the animals rather than trying to find help and support? 

I am older, 73, and although I am strong and healthy and definitely not lazy, what would happen if I suddenly died? In my case, I have made arrangements with the person I am giving my house to (knowing they will, at least, be gentle and kind if all they can do is have the cats put down upon my death). 

The lady from hell said to me to stop the feeding completely for days until the cats could be easily trapped, i.e. until they are starving, which is cruel, in itself, to a colony of cats that have been fed twice a day, without fail, for over 18 years. Is that the only help they give in those circumstances. Isn't their goal to "Prevent' Cruelty? And, I didn't tell the SPCA I could no longer care for my Colony, I just said I needed a little help.

Because of the "lady from hell's" attitude, I would be terrified to ever again call the SPCA for help. I mean, I just wouldn't do it. So, what do people do?

Just thinking about all of this. And with the information about the cat that was so cruelly treated at the facility in North Carolina that is being discussed on this site, it just makes me wonder, where does all of the donated money go in places like the SPCA. Is it all just a lovely front to get money? What goes on behind closed doors?

At our local animal control, (and I do not know if this is still the case), but when I was last there looking for a missing cat, all of the feral cats, or strays that seem feral, are put into one cage together about the size of a trailer. There is no place for the cats to hide from each other, just a few boards they can sit on. There is a cement floor, no litter boxes. There they all sit, females, males, kittens, neutered/spayed, or not,  terrified, waiting until they have a noose put around their neck and are taken to another room to be put to death. It is sickening to see. And, if there are allowed to live for three days before being put to death, that is where they spend their last days, 24 hours-a -day.

I do want to emphasize, however, that when the SPCA wouldn't help (except for one case of canned food from their "free" food bin); that same animal control mentioned above, didn't hesitate to bring me two bags, 16 pounds each, of dry cat food within a day, and they deserve a great deal of credit for that. I also know that our animal control gets the majority of its funds from County government. Our particular County government which is hugely dysfunctional, is not all that interested in funding anything but the bare minimum for the Animal Health Department.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

Supermax1943 said:

 
I had a sad thought today about the SPCA. A year or so ago in our town, a lady became front page news because of all of the animals she had and neglected until the SPCA went out to investigate. I didn't know her, and the way she no longer cared for them is inexcusable, (I would go out with a jar and a sign onto the highway to beg for funds for my colony if I ever had to) but I wondered if she asked anyone for help and didn't get it.

The response and support from this incredible community have given me new faith in mankind's humanity and helped me to realize that just turning to people who love animals would be the best way to get help when needed.  But what if she had called the SPCA for help and they refused?

Does anyone know? What is the general policy of the SPCA or ASPCA on helping in situations like that? Is the automatic response to just go in and take the animals rather than trying to find help and support? 

I am older, 73, and although I am strong and healthy and definitely not lazy, what would happen if I suddenly died? In my case, I have made arrangements with the person I am giving my house to (knowing they will, at least, be gentle and kind if all they can do is have the cats put down upon my death). 

The lady from hell said to me to stop the feeding completely for days until the cats could be easily trapped, i.e. until they are starving, which is cruel, in itself, to a colony of cats that have been fed twice a day, without fail, for over 18 years. Is that the only help they give in those circumstances. Isn't their goal to "Prevent' Cruelty? And, I didn't tell the SPCA I could no longer care for my Colony, I just said I needed a little help.

Because of the "lady from hell's" attitude, I would be terrified to ever again call the SPCA for help. I mean, I just wouldn't do it. So, what do people do?

Just thinking about all of this. And with the information about the cat that was so cruelly treated at the facility in North Carolina that is being discussed on this site, it just makes me wonder, where does all the money go  in places like the SPCA? Is it all just a lovely front to get money?  What goes on behind closed doors?

At our local animal control, (and I do not know if this is still the case), but when I was last there looking for a missing cat, all of the feral cats, or strays that seem feral, are put into one cage together about the size of a trailer. There is no place for the cats to hide from each other, just a few boards they can sit on. There is a cement floor, no litter boxes. There they all sit, females, males, kittens, neutered/spayed, or not,  terrified, waiting until they have a noose put around their neck and are taken to another room to be put to death. It is sickening to see. And, if there are allowed to live for three days before being put to death, that is where they spend their last days, 24 hours-a -day.

I do want to emphasize, however, that when the SPCA wouldn't help (except for one case of canned food from their "free" food bin); that same animal control mentioned above, didn't hesitate to bring me two bags, 16 pounds each, of dry cat food within a day, and they deserve a great deal of credit for that.

I also know that our animal control gets the majority of its funds from County government. Our particular County government which is hugely dysfunctional, is not all that interested in funding anything but the bare minimum for the Animal Health Department.

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Good question!  I've wondered that myself.  That's actually why I won't donate to these National Organizations of any kind any more.  Not even the Cancer societies and the Heart Associations.  We don't see what goes on behind closed doors and I'm afraid that money donated kind of disappears, doesn't it?  That's a disgrace.  These organizations need to be held accountable to the very last penny donated.  Maybe some of them do give an account. I'll at least give them that much.  But I prefer the grass roots organizations, myself.  

I received an email today from another foster mom thanking me for some food I gave her.  Turns out she had lost her job in December but is still fostering cats.  She told me that I can go to either of the shelters in our area and tell them which rescue I am fostering for and they will give me food for the cats.  She said they had a large room with food. 

I am amazed at the number of rescues in the San Francisco/San Jose area.  Some are county wide and some are local.  I'm sure having all those fosters caring for the cats keeps their expenses down.

The shelter Fluffy was rescued from is in a more rural area and they actually ran out of kitty litter earlier this year.  They put up a wish list on Amazon and the rescue put the list up on FB so their supporters could help out.  I would rather donate food and litter to rescues and shelters because I know it will go to the animals.

Of course, not all shelters and rescue organizations turn their back on animals they don't happen to "like", but it makes sense  that when they get big and start getting "big" donors politics begins to enter the picture. It is so great to know when there is help being given to TNR colonies, or fosters. or just people who need help feeding their animals. So much help is available for illness or injury to animals, but almost none for food.

It is just sad that a shelter will start with nothing but good intentions and then become more interested in money than the care they give. And I assume, they get more interested in money because they try to do too much. Anyone who goes into a business of sheltering animals has simply got to be aware that the need for care of homeless animals is beyond huge, and I guess always will be. I am sure it is hard to turn away any animal, but I don't see how they can remain true to their principles if they don't set limits on how many they can help.

It is easy to pass blame, although, in the instance of the Monterey County SPCA, they were turning their back on cats that were being beautifully cared for in a TNR colony. Since TNR is being promoted so heavily world-wide I think turning their backs on TNR colonies will come back to bite them in the   .

I used to donate to the SPCA when my financial situation was different. Not a huge amount, but whenever I had an animal fixed at their clinic I would always donate extra. Wait until someone with money and influence in the Monterey County area hears about their policy when they have a TNR colony of their own or know someone who does!

I agree with your decision to donate to smaller animal shelter/rescue groups, or to individuals who need the help rather than dropping it into the pot that may or may not be influenced by special donors.

Supermax1943 said:

 
Of course, not all shelters and rescue organizations turn their back on animals they don't happen to "like", but it makes sense  that when they get big and start getting "big" donors politics begins to enter the picture. It is so great to know when there is help being given to TNR colonies, or fosters. or just people who need help feeding their animals. So much help is available for illness or injury to animals, but almost none for food.

It is just sad that a shelter will start with nothing but good intentions and then become more interested in money than the care they give. And I assume, they get more interested in money because they try to do too much. Anyone who goes into a business of sheltering animals has simply got to be aware that the need for care of homeless animals is beyond huge, and I guess always will be. I am sure it is hard to turn away any animal, but I don't see how they can remain true to their principles if they don't set limits on how many they can help.

It is easy to pass blame, although, in the instance of the Monterey County SPCA, they were turning their back on cats that were being beautifully cared for in a TNR colony. Since TNR is being promoted so heavily world-wide I think turning their backs on TNR colonies will come back to bite them in the  

.

I used to donate to the SPCA when my financial situation was different. Not a huge amount, but whenever I had an animal fixed at their clinic I would always donate extra. Wait until someone with money and influence in the Monterey County area hears about their policy when they have a TNR colony of their own or know someone who does!

I agree with your decision to donate to smaller animal shelter/rescue groups, or to individuals who need the help rather than dropping it into the pot that may or may not be influenced by special donors.

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The shelter that I got my Henry from is a small local place that runs solely on donations. I give to them whenever I can. My cats are VERY picky eaters so any time that I buy canned foods that they won't eat, I will take any remaining unopened cans and put them aside for the shelter. I brought them 2 cases of Merrick's thanksgiving day dinner canned food the day before thanksgiving so all the cats could enjoy a special meal. They really liked that. I also put together a HUGE box of toys, treats and canned food for them for Christmas. Every time I went shopping in a store or on Amazon, I added a little something for them and it added up quickly. I went down with the box on 12/23 (which would have been our 20th wedding anniversary if DH were still here). I decided that instead of feeling sorry for myself, I'd honor him (a lifetime animal lover) by giving the cats a nice gift and some love. I sat in the kitten room while they played with their new toys. They were so happy. Then I took a big bag of treats and went from room to room giving the kitties treats and cuddles. It turned out to be a great day. These are the kinds of shelters that I like to support.

What a wonderful way to give back to the Animal Universe!

I just love what you do.

I thought, too, what a wonderful Idea to give someone who is fighting depression, or loss or just anything...to go and spend time cheering up the shelter animals!

Our attention at holidays is brought to the homeless or children with no parents, etc. but I have never thought about what joy someone could bring to shelter animals.

That is so special Kat. I bet your husband looks down on you with such joy!

Regarding donating to smaller charities (animal or otherwise), after 9/11 the American Red Cross put out a huge advertising campaign, looking for donations for the victims and their families.  People put their entire charity budget for the year into donating to American Red Cross.  And then the Red Cross put large portions of the money they received into their general fund, even though they had solicited it for victims of the 9/11 attacks.

This was shortly after a "Welfare Reform" law had been passed, limiting the lifetime amount of AFDC a family could get.  Without local charities to fill in the gap, a lot of children were in danger of starvation, and suddenly those local charities weren't getting the donations they needed because all that money had gone to the American Red Cross, instead.  In my opinion, it was unconscionable.

I've never donated to the American Red Cross since then.  I try to keep my donations local, and put them where I believe they will do the most good.  Among other things, that means the local food bank, and those donations can include pet food so that people in need don't have to give up their pets.

When I want to donate to the Humane Society, I'll buy a few krinkle balls or a case or two of cat food, and give it to them.  I figure that the cats whose lives are in danger there at least deserve a few good meals and a bit of fun before they die, and I know that those donations will go only to the animals.

I also know someone who feeds a local TNR colony; she will get an occasional case or bag of cat food as well, as and when I have the money.  Oh, and a friend with a newly adopted kitten and no toys got one of Jasmine's krinkle balls -- please, no one tell Jasmine!  She thinks she lost it somehow, which is a regular occurrence around here, after all.  And the kitten is extremely happy with her new krinkle ball.

There's an old saying: "Charity begins at home."  This means that first we feed and protect our own family, which is just good sense.  But after that, I believe it means that charity is somehow more meaningful when it's given locally.

Margret

Or, given one to one. 

I hadn't heard that information about the Red Cross. That is just sad.

I am thinking the lesson here, for me. is to do as you all do, and give directly to those who are in need.

And it is the little things sometimes, isn't it. One little crinkle ball can make a cat's life suddenly seem new again.

By the way, I just learned this and you all probably have known it forever, but, since I couldn't continue buying new toys for my kids, I decided to put all of their toys in a lingerie bag and throw the bag in the washer and dryer. Everything came out perfectly and the cats think they are new toys!! I even put ones with feathers on them in the bag and they came out just fine as well. It is a nice money saving new find for me.

The other thing about giving directly to someone or their cat is that giving that way gives so much back. It is joyful I think to do while donating to a large Non-profit seems so impersonal. I am so glad for the posts today on this subject.

About 12 years ago there was an expose of the director of Tinton Falls NJ Humane society stealing a huge amt of money from the shelter. From then onwards I only brought bags of food, I would never money anymore. Recently heard that a big portion of donations to Wounded Warriors does not go to our veterans. There is so much greed and corruption, it is so disheartening.

Kat0121, lovely thing you do!

Karen

2 dozen said:

 
About 12 years ago there was an expose of the director of Tinton Falls NJ Humane society stealing a huge amt of money from the shelter. From then onwards I only brought bags of food, I would never money anymore. Recently heard that a big portion of donations to Wounded Warriors does not go to our veterans. There is so much greed and corruption, it is so disheartening.

Kat0121, lovely thing you do!

Karen

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That's a good thing to learn.  People say power corrupts.  I say it exposes corruption already present, just lacked opportunity.  In the future I won't give money any more.  If I ever won the big one, I would only buy supplies that are needed and donate that.  I'd have a signed contract that the donated equipment or food would be used for the animals or else I'd have the right to sue them.  It's so sad we live in a world today where you have to be so careful and that generous hearts are so taken advantage of.  

Every time I buy something (even at fast food places), the clerk will ask "would you like to donate some money to XXX cause?"  I always say no now.  Used to feel guilty about it, but no longer.  You have no idea where that money is going or even IF it's going to a good cause.  

There is/was a feral colony out here by the marina I live in, over on the rocks looking out onto San Francisco Bay. I say "is/was" because I haven't seen any of the cats in a couple of years now, but I don't go out to walk along the rocks as often as I used to. However, given the number of times I've seen the Animal Control van roaming about, it wouldn't surprise me if they've all been wiped out, which makes me truly sad indeed. They weren't bothering anyone, and they helped to control the rat population. Now, there are rats on the docks again - not many, but occasionally I'll see one scamper past in the middle of the night, particularly in summer...

Fortunately, over by the lake, the colony is allowed to exist with no problem. There is an elderly couple that comes over to feed and groom them - they've been doing this for many years now. Oh, by the way...no rat problems on the docks at the lake. Imagine that!

When I read your story, this was what I first began thinking of. When I read of the (rhymes with "itch") from (rhymes with "bell"), I thought immediately of another such...ahem...individual who came out to drop off some no-kill traps for a skunk problem I was having when I lived in Texas. (There was a family of the little stinkers living under the house.) Well, she dropped off the traps, but then lit into me because my I was "obviously" not caring for my cat - she was "unhealthy" and "obese"...all of this was from just a cursory glance at my cat as she happened to walk by within sight.

She threatened to take my cat away. I told her she'd better come back armed if she even thought about doing so, and lit into her that my cat has a thyroid condition that caused her to gain weight, and that she is on a veterinarian-recommended diet, and she'd better just keep her comments to herself and get the (rhymes with "bell") off my property!

She gave a disgusted (and slightly frightened) look and got back in her truck and drove off. I never did see her again, and the gentleman who came to pick up the traps (they never did catch the skunks - I think the skunks saw them, said, "You know, this neighborhood's just going downhill...we need to move", and that was that) was a very amiable sort.

So it's not just down south of me in Monterey - it's everywhere, sadly.

As others have said, "Power Corrupts" - and while this (rhymes with "itch") in my situation may have had the right intention, she was completely warped beyond the capacity for rational thought. Yours, on the other hand, was just someone who should never have been put in any kind of capacity to even be AROUND animals.

I truly hope everything works out for the best, and that your colony continues to receive the care that you provide. Were I not battling a financial problem right now, rest assured that I would be sending about $100.00 worth of foodstuffs your way right now...and if this situation resolves itself before the dreaded tax season closes, I will be doing just that!

Captain Dave thanks so much for your kind thoughts. Rest assured the Colony is doing just great.

There is nothing I wouldn't do to continue their care.

Tomorrow I start my new job as a Greeter at Walmart. Never thought that would happen, but I am thrilled to get the work. With the Walmart discount, things will be so much easier.

I am also just days aways (I Hope) from finishing the room rental so once that is rented the cats won't have to worry at all about their food.

The episode with the SPCA, awful as it was, was the turning point. I think the Universe was pretty upset about the SPCA behavior as well.

So sorry the feral cats you used to see are gone.

There really is no better life for feral cats than to be part of a colony where they are fed twice a day and are watched over for any illness or injury and provided some shelter for bad weather. They have such a happy life. 

As soon as things settle down for me a bit, I am going to post pictures here of all the cats in the Colony. I think it will be nice to document the members of the Colony that the SPCA wasn't willing to help. 

Hope you will continue to post messages here and read about all of the wonderful cats!

Supermax1943 said:

Captain Dave thanks so much for your kind thoughts. Rest assured the Colony is doing just great.
There is nothing I wouldn't do to continue their care.
Tomorrow I start my new job as a Greeter at Walmart. Never thought that would happen, but I am thrilled to get the work. With the Walmart discount, things will be so much easier.
I am also just days aways (I Hope) from finishing the room rental so once that is rented the cats won't have to worry at all about their food.
The episode with the SPCA, awful as it was, was the turning point. I think the Universe was pretty upset about the SPCA behavior as well.

So sorry the feral cats you used to see are gone.
There really is no better life for feral cats than to be part of a colony where they are fed twice a day and are watched over for any illness or injury and provided some shelter for bad weather. They have such a happy life. 

As soon as things settle down for me a bit, I am going to post pictures here of all the cats in the Colony. I think it will be nice to document the members of the Colony that the SPCA wasn't willing to help. 

Hope you will continue to post messages here and read about all of the wonderful cats!

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Yay! :high5: Glad to hear the job came through.

 Betsy, Yes, Yippy!! Thanks so much for the note about my Walmart job.

I am so happy I got the job, and it will give me peace knowing I am on my way out of living day to day in fear of not being able to feed the 50 little hungry mouths!  Some days this feels like an orphanage.

The help I received here from everyone was what gave me the chance to apply for the job and it happened just as they were starting a hiring phase. Without the help, I think I would have been too stressed to even think about applying.

Now, just the rental unit which is getting closer to being done every day.

The cats and I send love and hugs to everyone on the site!

I'm late coming to this thread. I hope you've been getting the help you need. I would like to add one suggestion: do not contact PETA. They have a reputation for euthanizing more animals than just about any other organization that claims to be pro animal rights.

GoldyCat, I posted some links in one of my responses above concerning PETA. They and feral cats are like oil and water. Am sorry to say years ago I was a member but they' re too fanatical for my taste.

So happy about the job Supermax1943!

By the way, I have just come upon Warehouse deals on Amazon. They sell cat food ( or just about anything else) about to expire at discount prices but the price goes up the longer the item is advertised. I recently got a case of Wellness for half price, $15.

I have put Amazon.com warehouse deals cat food in my favorite column and check it every day now. 

Karen

Just read this and simply wanted to say THANK YOU, Sally... for all of the hard work and love and money that you have put into taking care of these precious little lives.  Without you, they'd have no one looking out for them.  Of that I am sure.  You are a saint.  The SPCA should be creating a shrine in your honor, not shaming you for saving lives.  I know that experience left you feeling defeated, but you certainly are NOT.  There are thousands of us who believe that ferals are simply cats who got born to rough circumstances, and are deserving of all the care and attention of a domesticated kitty.

Bless you again for all that you do.  Please don't stop... they need you so desperately.  In fact, you may want to put out a simple post on Craigslist asking if there are a couple of like-minded people out there who would like to assist you in caring for this colony.  Craiglist allows for your email address to remain anonymous so you only have to reveal who you are to people you want to be in touch with.  I say this because I'm sure you'll get some horrible emails from people who hate cats and hate anyone who is trying to do good in this world.  Just expect to get some of these so you won't wind up shaken by them.  Then simply block their email address and delete.  Don't respond.  

All the best to you-

Jenn

Jen and Karen,

Thanks for your supportive responses and great suggestions. I really appreciate it!

I am loving my job at Walmart. The Co-workers are so much fun and everyone works really hard.

And, they are paying me to lose weight! The store is the size of a football field and so runs from one end of the store to the other a few times a day makes pounds disappear like magic. 

All is well with the colony. Poor Tommy the 3-year-old male that had serious injury to his tail survived surgery, neutering and ear clip AND three days in a cage. Poor guy! He was so angry about the whole ordeal. But yesterday he returned for the first time after being freed acting like his sweet self and it seems I am forgiven.

On the sadder side, Jasper, a 13-year-old who I thought was suffering the beginning stages of kidney disease had to be put down a week ago. The vet looked in his mouth to check his teeth and at the back of his throat was an ugly cancer tumor that was causing him to lose weight and become pretty obsessive about drinking water.

It was just awful to see and worse yet I felt so awful he had been suffering due to the tumor. The moment he was put down I felt such relief for him, and yet such sadness that I hadn't caught the problem sooner.

Sometimes we learn so much about caring for these animals that diagnosing becomes necessary and yet while all of his symptoms suggested early stages of kidney disease his kidneys had nothing to do with what was going on.

From now on I will go on high alert when I see a cat hanging out at the water bowls all the time!

So, we are doing fine here. Everyone is adjusting to one feeding a day instead of the usual two. But being gone from the fur balls has been hard. They are all adjusting too, but I know it is hard on them too.

Hugs to you all. 

Sally

Supermax1943 said:

 
Jen and Karen,

Thanks for your supportive responses and great suggestions. I really appreciate it!

I am loving my job at Walmart. The Co-workers are so much fun and everyone works really hard.

And, they are paying me to lose weight! The store is the size of a football field and so runs from one end of the store to the other a few times a day makes pounds disappear like magic. 

All is well with the colony. Poor Tommy the 3-year-old male that had serious injury to his tail survived surgery, neutering and ear clip AND three days in a cage. Poor guy! He was so angry about the whole ordeal. But yesterday he returned for the first time after being freed acting like his sweet self and it seems I am forgiven.

On the sadder side, Jasper, a 13-year-old who I thought was suffering the beginning stages of kidney disease had to be put down a week ago. The vet looked in his mouth to check his teeth and at the back of his throat was an ugly cancer tumor that was causing him to lose weight and become pretty obsessive about drinking water.

It was just awful to see and worse yet I felt so awful he had been suffering due to the tumor. The moment he was put down I felt such relief for him, and yet such sadness that I hadn't caught the problem sooner.

Sometimes we learn so much about caring for these animals that diagnosing becomes necessary and yet while all of his symptoms suggested early stages of kidney disease his kidneys had nothing to do with what was going on.

From now on I will go on high alert when I see a cat hanging out at the water bowls all the time!

So, we are doing fine here. Everyone is adjusting to one feeding a day instead of the usual two. But being gone from the fur balls has been hard. They are all adjusting too, but I know it is hard on them too.

Hugs to you all. 

Sally

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Awww, poor Jasper.  And you.       Did the woman from AFRP ever come out?  

How's it going with getting the rental unit ready?

Hi Betsy!

The contact at AFRP hasn't been here or made further contact, but I know she would if I called her.

Rental unit going so slowly, but almost there. I do have a young college couple (one who works with me at Walmart) that need a reduced rate rental for the summer, they were supposed to see it today, but I came down with a terrible cold and had to cancel. They will rent for three months and help finish the outside of the unit which will be great. I hope my cancel won't turn them away for good, although they said they would re-schedule.

I am working 33 hours a week at Walmart. Thank heaven for the money, but it is more time than I thought I would get. Not much extra time for caring for kids and working on rental. But, I know I will get it all together soon!

Thanks for your caring.

Hugs.