In the midst of a large and understandable outcry about the killing of 130 cats reportedly "rescued" from a mobile home in St. Anthony, Minnesota, the fate of another group of felines was largely unnoticed. This second group of cats came from a similar sort of situation, had similar issues, but their story and the outcome is far more inspiring. This second group of cats was rescued not by a large well-funded humane organization. They were taken in and cared for by the Humane Society of Freeborn County, a tiny organization that does not even have a shelter. In spite of the challenges, shortly after their rescue a note went out on an animal rescue group web site which read, in part: These cats were unaltered, and had many of the same health issues as the cats in the metro area case. But unlike the cats in the metro, the Freeborn County HS chose not to euthanize all the cats. Instead they have poured their efforts into treating these innocent victims. Now, the last of these lucky felines are getting ready for new homes at Animal Ark, after getting care and support from a number of organizations, including animal control and others. "The number of cats rescued in this case is not near the number of cats from the mobile home in St. Anthony," said Mary Salter, operations director for Animal Ark. "But if you put it into perspective, it was probably an even larger effort for the small organization. In fact, if you divide the 130 St. Anthony cats by the 5 Animal Humane Society shelters, each shelter would have only needed to take in a little more than 20 cats, which is about the number of cats in this case." In spite of their small size and lack of resources (HSFC does not even HAVE a shelter), the Humane Society of Freeborn County was able to achieve a different outcome for these lucky felines by reaching out, asking for, and accepting help. At Animal Ark, these remaining cats will receive additional behavior and veterinary testing. However, unlike in the St. Anthony case, issues that are not life-threatening will be addressed through training, socialization and proper veterinary care. You can help by signing up to volunteer or to become a foster family. You can also make a donation to help with our rescue efforts. Staff at Animal Ark say the cats are nervouse, but that they are already starting to settle down.

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Comments from readers:

On 03/22/2009 Christy Forman said: Thank you, too but was any help given back to the shelter? I want to thank Animal Ark for helping these cats get a new life. Without you, I'm sure they out come would have been questionable. I live in the area where these cats were taken and it is hard to get the cats that come in one or two at a time adopted let alone a large group. What I'm wondering is, I'm sure that when these cats get adopted out there will be an adoption fee charged for them. Does any of that go back to this shelter? Since they are such a small, volunteer group with very limited funds, that this situation was a very large drain what funds they did have. It was done selflessly to get these poor cats more adoptable, but I'm sure that it is a hardship on this little group. Isn't there some way to give them a little help towards their kindness?

On 03/13/2009 Shari T said: Are you watching AHS? Time for reform... Thanks to AA for "walking the walk" and not just "talking the talk". Saving these animals can be done and those of us in animal rescue know it... even if the AHS wants to try and convince the general public otherwise through deception and misinformation. The "No Kill" movement is here and it's time for us to "help" the AHS see the need for a total overhaul of their policies and procedures. Spring is a great time to adopt a rescue kitty!! Come to think of it, so is summer, fall, and winter... Special thanks to Mary and Mallory for all that they do!!!

On 03/11/2009 Albert Lea Supporter said: Thank You!! Thank you to Mike, Mary, and all the Staff and Volunteers at Animal Ark for helping these cats. I am the author of the quote Mike used in this article. I am so glad to see that the power of the internet spread the word on these animals that were just as needy as the animals from the St Anthony case. Hopefully all, or the majority, of these cats will have a much happier ending. Thanks again!!