NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Animal dumping is an ongoing issue in the Mid-state, leaving local shelters overwhelmed and struggling for resources. The latest case involves a litter of four-week-old kittens rescued from a trash compactor just in time.
“The kittens were found at the trash compactor here in the county,” said Brandy Fox, director of Lucky’s Cat House. The nonprofit, which is run entirely by volunteers, reports the kittens were saved moments before the compactor was set to run.
“They were very dirty. Very matted,” Fox said, describing the condition of the kittens when they were found. Despite their near-death experience, the kittens are now healthy and receiving the care they need.
Fox highlighted the growing problem of animal dumping in the region, which she attributes to limited resources for cats in southern Middle Tennessee. “Unfortunately, it happens more often than people realize because there are limited resources for cats in southern Middle Tennessee,” she said.
The issue is not new. In May, the organization discovered dozens of cats abandoned by the roadside, crammed into crates and totes. “We’ve had several adopted. There were 28 total,” Fox said.
She said Marshall County’s lack of resources exacerbates the problem, Fox noted. “Our animal control doesn’t do anything for cats. Our animal shelter doesn’t accept cats,” she said.
Fox expressed her frustration with the cruelty of abandoning animals. “There are some cruel people in this world. I hate to see those types of cases and abuse cases,” she said.
Lucky’s Cat House is currently caring for about 100 cats, either at the shelter or in foster homes, but the nonprofit’s resources are limited.
To address the growing population of stray and abandoned cats, the shelter is advocating for better spaying and neutering programs. “We need a better spayed and neutered program because that’s the only way we’re ever going to get ahead of the problem,” Fox said.
The kittens rescued won’t be available for adoption for another two months, but there are many other cats ready for some love. To adopt or help the nonprofit with donations, visit Lucky’s Cat House.
Do you have more information about this story, or others like it? You can email me at aaron.cantrell@newschannel5.com
I LOVE Forrest's stories on the history of NewsChannel 5 as we celebrate our 70th anniversary. Here's a story I wasn't familiar with until recently. Eudora Boxley had a live cooking show in the early days of the station. She may have been the first black on air at NewsChannel 5 and perhaps, one of the first African Americans to have a TV cooking show anywhere in the country. It wasn't until her grandson reached out to me that I even heard of Ms. Boxley. Thankfully, I was able to connect him with Forest to learn more about this great nugget in NewsChannel 5 history.
-Lelan Statom
