Humane society resumes cat adoptions after sick litter abandoned at shelter

DAYTON — Cat adoptions have resumed at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton two weeks after the organization discovered a litter of kittens dropped at the shelter had highly contagious virus.

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“The cats at our shelter were all up-to-date on their vaccinations and the temporary closing was more of a precaution,” said Brian Weltge, president and CEO of the humane society. “After one of the abandoned litters tested positive to an extremely contagious virus, we wanted to ensure we did everything to protect all cats at our shelter and keep them safe and healthy.”

On July 16, multiple litters were dumped at the shelter with a total of 20 cats.

Within a day of discovering them, two of the seven kittens died because of the virus.

The five remaining kittens were given emergency veterinary care and returned to the shelter once their conditions stabilized.

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“These remaining five kittens are growing stronger with every day that passes, but they are not in the clear yet,” said Weltge. “We continue to give them the best care possible and hope that in a few weeks they will be strong enough and healthy enough to find the loving, forever homes they deserve.”

Between the litters and emergency care for the kittens, it is costing the humane society nearly $8,000 to care for the cats.

Anyone interested in donating to help treat the cats can go to

www.hsdayton.org/20cats/.

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“The community has been wonderful through all of this and we thank them not only for their support, but for their patience and understanding,” said Weltge. “The health and safety of our animals is always our main priority and we are grateful that we have the full support of our community as we save their lives.”