Last Thursday, the Salina Animal Shelter asked for help to care for cats that were seized late Wednesday afternoon.
On Tuesday morning, Salina Animal Shelter Animal Services Supervisor Vanessa Cowie said support from the public has been overwhelming.
Since an appeal went out in the media for support to take care of the cats, the shelter has recieved 1600 pounds of cat litter, 450 cans of cat food, and more than $3,500 in cash. Donations of towels and blankets have also come to the shelter. Cowie said 14 cats have been adopted out, and 12 other shelters are caring for other cats.
Cowie said support has come from as far away as Wichita, and the shelter has recieved many phone calls of encourgement.
Cowie said the current amount of donated items is about a three-month supply.
If you would like to drop off donations, become a volunteer, or provide a foster home stop by the Salina Animal Shelter at 329 N. 2nd during business hours.
Original story by Terry Tebrugge:
The Salina Animal Shelter is asking for help to care for cats that were seized late Wednesday afternoon.
Salina Animal Shelter Animal Services Supervisor Vanessa Cowie and Salina Police Captain Mike Sweeney tell The Salina Post that animal control officers, along with assistance from police officers, seized numerous prohibited animals from a residence at 1131 Prospect just before 5 p.m.
Among the animals seized were three full grown pot bellied pigs, four dogs, several caged rats and birds, and over 15 cats. The animals were living in unsanitary conditions. Cowie said there was a strong smell of ammonia as well as feces inside the home. She indicated that several of the animals, which were are owned by 51-year-old Stephanie Pankratz, were not being fed and watered properly.
All of the animals were taken were seized and taken to the Animal Shelter. Cowie said the shelter was already over capacity at the time the time the animals were brought in. Shelter officials are hoping to get some animals adopted quickly to make room for the additional animals. The shelter is also seeking donations of clay cat litter and canned can food to assist with the care of the cats. Donations can be dropped off at the shelter at 329 N. 2nd.
According to Cowie, this is the second time these animals have been seized by the shelter. In October 2014, the animals were seized from Playful Pets, a business owned by Pankratz. She received multiple misdemeanor citations in connection with the first incident and was convicted of all charges in October 2015 and was able to get the animals back.
Pankratz is facing further possible charges from Wednesday’s seizure. An investigation is underway to determine whether the animals will be returned to her again.
Sweeney indicated that while the animals were being seized, officers arrested a 15-year-old girl on requested charges of assault of a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct, and interference with a law enforcement officer. The girl was taken into custody after allegedly causing issues with officers during the course of the animal seizure. Police also arrested 35-year-old Napoleon Svenblad on outstanding municipal court warrants. He was found hiding in the basement of the residence.