Newton, NJ– Animal rescue organizations in Sussex and Morris counties are currently caring for 14 Peterbald cats, a rare breed known for their nearly hairless appearance, after they were abandoned without food or water at various public locations over the past few weeks. The most recent incident involved the abandonment of these cats outside a construction site in Hopatcong.
On August 15, surveillance footage captured two individuals dumping four cardboard carriers at Lakeside Construction on Stanhope Sparta Road around 5:20 a.m. The Hopatcong Police Department, which shared the footage on Facebook, reported that the cats found inside the boxes were in dire need of medical care.
Authorities are actively searching for the suspects and have appealed to the public for assistance. The police have released photos of the suspects, taken from surveillance video, as well as images of a white Toyota Tundra that was used during the incident.
This case is part of a troubling pattern involving the same breed of cats. Gianna DiMatteo, a humane law enforcement officer with the Hopatcong Police Department, noted that these incidents are connected. In each case, the cats were abandoned in similar cardboard carriers and were in poor health, only having training pads beneath them.
The Peterbald cats have been diagnosed with feline herpesvirus (FHV), a highly contagious illness that causes severe upper respiratory infections, including sneezing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, and eye discharge. If left untreated, FHV can lead to serious complications such as corneal inflammation and potential loss of vision.
The abandoned cats, which include two females named Cleo and Bubbles, and two males named Harry and Cyrus, were discovered by employees of Lakeside Construction at around 9 a.m. Cleo is particularly frail, weighing just four pounds and missing an eye. The other cats are also suffering from severe infections, with some missing eyes and others battling eye infections.
The plight of these cats mirrors similar cases in Randolph and Lafayette, where cats of the same breed were also found in distressing conditions. The cats from Lafayette are being cared for by Father John’s Animal Shelter, which has confirmed their commitment to the animals’ recovery.
DiMatteo stressed the urgency of finding the individuals responsible for the abandonment. “Our primary concern is to locate these individuals and ensure there are no more animals in need of urgent help,” she said. She highlighted the importance of reaching out to local shelters for assistance rather than abandoning animals in vulnerable conditions.
New Jersey’s animal cruelty laws stipulate that anyone found abandoning a domesticated animal can face a disorderly person offense and a fine of up to $1,000. Those failing to provide adequate care, including food, water, and medical attention, also face legal consequences.
The Peterbald breed, which originated in Russia, is known for its nearly hairless appearance, with some cats even lacking whiskers or eyebrows. This breed requires special care, including regular baths to maintain skin health and protection from extreme temperatures due to their lack of fur.
The rescued Peterbald cats are currently receiving medical treatment and will eventually be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and placed up for adoption once their health is restored. Those interested in adopting are encouraged to monitor social media updates or contact the Hopatcong Animal Shelter at 973-601-3847 for more information. The shelter also has other animals available for adoption, including one dog and about 30 cats.
For further details and to support the rescue efforts, please visit the shelter’s website or follow their social media channels.
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