Good Mews Assists Florida Cat Rescue

East Cobb's was among the agencies assisting the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) in the removal and sheltering of approximately 600 cats living in deplorable conditions at a non-profit cat sanctuary known as Caboodle Ranch in Lee, Fla.

The cats were kept in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Numerous cats were found with untreated medical issues. Many cats were in critical condition. Responders discovered deceased cats on the property.

"Five of us are staying for a week,"  shelter manager Robbin Yeager told Patch. "Don’t know the amount of cats yet we are going to be able to take until they are released for adoption purposes."

“Removing hundreds of animals is a huge undertaking, and we are truly grateful that these agencies offered their assistance in the case,” said Kathryn Destreza, director of Investigations for the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team. “Numerous agencies throughout Florida and as far as California have committed to helping us continue our life-saving work and giving these rescued animals a second chance.”

Complaints received by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) set the undercover investigation in motion. PETA gave the evidence to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Madison County Animal Control contacted the ASPCA for assistance in the criminal investigation, evidence collection, rescue and sheltering efforts of the case.

Craig Grant, the founder of Caboodle Ranch, has been arrested and charged with one count of felony animal cruelty, three counts of cruelty to animals and one count of scheming to defraud, according to the ASPCA.