FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2011
FOR MORE INFORMATION (MEDIA ONLY)
Janet Winikoff, Director of Education (772) 388-3331 ext. 18
jwinikoff@hsvb.org
Elizabeth Harfmann, PBCACC Public Information Officer (561) 233-1222
Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County Steps up to Rescue Prison Cats
Vero Beach, Florida – Just don’t call them jailbirds: Fifteen cats previously cared for by inmates at Palm Beach County's Belle Glade Correctional Facility will now find forever homes in Indian River County thanks to a cooperative effort between The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County and Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control (PBCACC).
With approximately 100 cats facing an uncertain future, staff from PBCACC brought the animals to their facility last week to assure their safety and well-being and contacted HSVB & IRC to ask for assistance in placing some of the cats. PBCACC director Dianne Suave, staff members Gina DiPace, Marguerite Panzarello and Judy Elsey and HSVB & IRC veterinarian Lyndall Soule were all instrumental in coordinating the transport.
“Feline felons? Hardly. The only crime these kitties will commit is stealing the public’s heart,” says Director of Education Janet Winikoff. With names like Chubby, Garfield, Murphy, Joe, Margo and Violet, the cats sheltered at The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County will be available for adoption beginning November 22 while the cats in Palm Beach County are ready for new homes.
The HSVB & IRC transported the “Furry Fifteen Gang” to Indian River County last Tuesday and have been given time to settle in at the shelter. “Whenever possible, The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County is always happy to lend a hand. We know shelters like Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control would help us in an emergency,” says HSVB & IRC Director of Animal Care Maria Ramirez. To hasten their adoption, the Palm Beach County shelter sterilized, microchipped and vaccinated the cats prior to their Indian River County journey. The females even have tattoos - “cat tats” on their bellies to help veterinary professionals confirm they have been spayed even after their tiny surgical scars disappear.
For more information, to adopt or to make a donation to The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, please call (772) 388-3331 ext. 10. Palm Beach County residents hoping to adopt or make donations in their county can call PBCACC at (561) 233-1272.
