Nineteen cats were discovered living in filthy conditions inside a reportedly stolen U-Haul truck in Monrovia, prompting an emergency rescue by Pasadena Humane and a temporary waiver of cat adoption fees to make room for the animals.
Monrovia police contacted Pasadena Humane Friday morning after towing the vehicle and finding the cats inside, according to shelter spokesperson Kevin McManus. The cats had been kept in crates surrounded by feces and maggots.
The exact location of the truck’s discovery remains unclear, and the Monrovia Police Department could not be reached for comment.
Animal control officers from Pasadena Humane transported the cats to the organization’s animal resource center, where they were cleaned and evaluated by veterinary staff. Despite the unsanitary conditions.
“The good news is that despite the conditions they were found in, there were no injuries that we could pick up on,” McManus said.
The owner of the cats has not yet been identified, and it remains unknown why the animals were inside the truck. However, McManus confirmed the cats are not feral.
“We’ll have to hold them for an extended period of time, but it’s very possible that if they’re not reclaimed, then they’ll be available for adoption—and they’ll make great pets,” he said.
To prepare for the possible intake of the 19 cats, Pasadena Humane has waived adoption fees for all cats and kittens through Sunday, June 22, in an effort to open space in the shelter.
More information and ways to help can be found on their website.