Hundreds of rescued cats ready for adoption

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After months nurturing nearly 700 cats seized from a North Florida property back to health, hundreds of rescued cats are ready to find a forever home.

Channel 4 obtained an undercover video released by PETA that revealed the miserable living conditions at a so-called ‘cat sanctuary' in Hamilton County named Caboodle Ranch.  Veterinary exams showed many of the cats were suffering from disease and malnutrition.

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Caboodle Ranch founder Craig Grant was arrested and charged with animal cruelty.

"We saw a lot of upper respiratory infections and we also saw a lot of hair matting, a lot of un-thrifty body conditions, so just a lot of signs of neglect and not being cared for very well over a long period of time," said Rhonda Windham, medical director of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

After nursing the cats back to health, the ASPCA is preparing for a two-day adoption event next month.

IMAGES:  Cats up for adoption

"We want to make sure that cat goes into a home and that it's their last home," said ASPCA's Dick Green. "We are going to do everything possible, we are not just going to let cats go out the door."

Grant's attorney, David Collins, has filed a motion in court to prevent the adoptions.  Collins says Grant is "very concerned" and "upset."

The ASPCA is continuing their preparations. The adoption event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  August 11 and 12 at three locations:

  • Jacksonville (ASPCA & Jacksonville Humane Society):
    ASPCA Temporary Shelter, 2580 West 1st Street, Jacksonville
  • Sarasota (Cat Depot):
    Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota
  • Clearwater (Humane Society of Pinellas with assistance from SPCA Tampa Bay and Bay Area DART):
    1928 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater