Gatineau police, along with the animal control unit, seized 26 cats from an elderly woman living near Eardley Road early in the morning of August 27.
Gatineau’s animal control unit intervened at the residence in Old Aylmer after receiving a tip from a neighbour who believed there was a cat problem there. Following several days of investigation, municipal authorities intervened.
Once seized, the animals were transferred to the SPCA where one cat was treated for a skin problem. The SPCA is now handling the remaining cats who are doing fine. According to the SPCA, the cats were not mistreated but simply neglected.
Although a city bylaw stipulates that residents are only allowed up to four cats, police don’t intend to charge the octogenarian. “Let’s say we are more in an intervention mode than a repressive mode. Besides the cats, we found a lady who needs help,” police spokesperson Jean-Paul Lemay told the Bulletin, and a follow-up for her with proper medical authorities should take place. As for the cats, the
SPCA will treat them and presumably put them up for adoption in weeks to come.
(LRC)
