On August 31, Berwick police responded to a call reporting a concern regarding multiple cats at a residence on River Street in Berwick. When Officer Bill Kelloway arrived he quickly learned that the woman at the residence had a warrant out for her arrest.
However, after Kelloway determined there was no food in the house to feed the 37 cats, his first priority was to relocate the animals to a safe location. The woman, whose name has not been released, surrendered the cats voluntarily.
The cats were transported to The Red Barn Pet Services in Berwick where the condition of their health was checked. No major health issues were found in any of the felines. However, Wheeler reports that they were all covered in fleas. The cost to test and treat the cats was nearly $1,500.
“It was a miracle with this many cats in such a small space that the cats were as healthy as they were,” said Wheeler.
According to Wheeler, amongst the 37 cats rescued one was a cat only six months old that is due to deliver a litter of kittens any day. The oldest cat in custody was only ten months.
“It all started with two cats that were not spayed and just kept having kittens. Then those kittens started having kittens,” explained Wheeler.
Shortly after the story reached the media, Wheeler was inundated with people from surrounding communities that were anxious to lend a helping hand. People from Sanford, Biddeford, Portland and even Bangor started dropping of cash donations and supplies, said Wheeler.
A visit to The Red Barn revealed dozens of economy sized bags of cats food, 700 pounds of cat litter and other supplies lining the walls.
“There was a line of people going down the street, eager to adopt or donate,” said Wheeler. “I couldn’t believe it.”
As of Sept. 10, there were four litters of kittens that were placed into foster homes, leaving 13 other cats that are quickly being adopted.
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