Lollypop Farm took in 55 cats from a Greater Rochester resident who asked for help after changing circumstances made it difficult to provide a suitable home for them, the Fairport-based humane society said Tuesday.
The resident had been caring for nearly 60 cats and was facing housing insecurity, according to the organization. Lollypop Farm said the person contacted it before conditions became unsafe and worked with staff on a plan to move the animals. The release did not allege abuse or identify the resident.
Lollypop Farm activated its Animal Emergency Response Team because of the number of cats and the work needed to handle them safely, document conditions, arrange transportation and prepare shelter space. All 55 cats were transported to the organization for veterinary evaluations and ongoing care.
The cats are not currently available for adoption. The organization did not give an adoption timeline or describe their individual medical conditions, so their next steps will depend on their care and evaluations.
Large intakes place immediate demands on veterinary services, staff and shelter capacity, Lollypop Farm said. It is asking community members who want to help to donate supplies such as food, blankets and toys.
The organization also has a foster program that lets residents temporarily care for animals, creating space at the shelter. Lollypop Farm said it provides foster caregivers with necessary supplies, veterinary care and support; prospective participants can register through its foster program.
Erin Sandle, the organization's director of admissions and community resources, said asking for help before a situation becomes a crisis allowed staff and the resident to work together on a safer path for the cats. The release presented the transfer as a voluntary, collaborative response to changing circumstances.
Lollypop Farm's Animal Emergency Response Team also assists alongside local emergency responders during fires, natural disasters and other large-scale animal emergencies. It draws staff from humane law enforcement, veterinary care, shelter operations and farm and equine services, but the organization did not say those other types of incidents occurred in this case.
The humane society operates its main campus in Fairport and an adoption center at Greece Ridge Mall. Its immediate focus for these cats is evaluation and care while the shelter seeks supplies and foster support.
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