Animal rescue group wants to help trap abandoned cats

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - The Arizona Humane Society has been working the last few days to trap and remove cats from an abandoned home in Phoenix.

A rescue group who says they specialize in trapping, neutering and rescuing cats says they want to help because the cats aren't being trapped humanely.

"No situation like this is resolved overnight, we completely understand that I guess we're concerned with the conditions inside the house," said Claudia Schalk.

Schalk is with the non-profit Echo Canyon Equine Foundation and heard about the deplorable conditions in the home. When she came to check out the property, she saw cats through the window that were in distress. She says they were in traps with no fans and no water. Because of this she's offered for her foundation to help, but since it's private property legally she cannot.

"We have volunteered my nonprofit to actually fund fans to improve air circulation in the house. Because again we're concerned with the well-being of the animals, to make sure that by us trapping them and the Arizona Humane Society trapping them, that they are still safe and obviously not in conditions in an 110 degree home trapped waiting for them to come get the animals," said Schalk.

Officials with the Humane Society say the homeowner was a community cat caregiver or someone who feeds and waters feral cats. They say there are no laws that govern cats like these. Schalk disagrees.

"They are not community cats as the Humane Society claims, I think they were somebody's cats. Feral cats do not reside in the garage. I do believe there needs to be accountability brought to the homeowners," she said.

Residents say they don't car whoever resolves the problem; they hope it's done sooner than later.

"Two nights ago we heard coyotes outside, and we looked out the front door, and they were just standing in the street in front of the house, so we scared them off, but it's just scary because we have animals, and we don't want that around," said Natalie, a neighbor.

The Humane Society says they are picking up cats in the morning and night, so they aren't staying in the home for long. Shalk says people can call her foundation, and they will gladly put traps in front of your home with permission.