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Hyde Park - On Saturday, March 3, 2012, staff from the Dutchess County SPCA, with assistance from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department and the East Fishkill Police, seized 153 cats from a residence in Hopewell Junction. The incident followed a February 15 seizure of 47 cats from the same home, owned by Anna Wurtzburger. The initial call came from the East Fishkill Police Department who visited the home on an unrelated matter. They noted evidence of hoarding and contacted the Dutchess County SPCA. A total of 200 cats and three dogs were seized from the home and brought to the shelter in Hyde Park making this the largest seizure of cats in Dutchess County history.

To date, Ms. Wurtzburger has been charged with 41 counts of Section 353 (Animal Cruelty, Class A Misdemeanor). The Dutchess County SPCA continues to investigate and additional charges will be sought in the case. The 200 cats and three dogs are being held in isolation and are receiving care for their medical needs. None of the animals are available for adoption.

This is the Dutchess County SPCA’s second case involving a large number of sick cats within a month. Previously, 18 cats were rescued after being abandoned in an apartment in Poughkeepsie.

The Dutchess County SPCA is asking the public for donations to support the 218 cats rescued in these two incidents. Food, cat litter, cleaning supplies, wire dog cages, and cash donations are needed at this time. Although the cats from the most recent incident are not available for adoption, the Dutchess County SPCA does have many wonderful cats hoping for new homes.

“The Dutchess County SPCA is a no-kill facility. We will do everything in our power to provide these cats the medical care, and the tender loving care they deserve. Your support gives the abused and abandoned animals hope. For 141 years, the DCSPCA has been saving lives, and your support continues to make this possible.” stated Joyce Garrity, Executive Director.