I acquired a stray cat about a two weeks ago; although my lease agreement states that I cannot have indoor pets, I took this cat into my home during the cold evenings anyway, fed him, and most of all, cared for him. He was a very sweet and affectionate cat, well-mannered and always tolerant of my young daughter who thought it was fun to pet him while he was eating or occasionally pull his tail. We all grew attached to this wonderful animal, and then one night he came to my home looking for a meal, and I discovered that he had a broken left front leg. I waited anxiously for 11:30am the next morning so that I could take him to the closest PSPCA (which is a 45 minute drive from my home, minus a cat carrier. I improvised with a box.) Upon arrival there, I was told (in a very rude and uncompassionate manner) that there was no veterinarian available and that even if there were, they had no room for the cat.
When reading the PSPCA's website, it states very clearly that while they do no accept HEALTHY strays, any stray that is sick, injured, or a victim of animal cruely WILL BE ACCEPTED. Having a broken leg (in addition to what I believe was a cold and possibly ear mites as well) DOES NOT CONSTITUTE HEALTHY! Yet they turned this cat away with very little explanation and forced me to do the only humane thing I could; find a private vet to put this wonderful cat to sleep and pay an outrageous sum of money for the service which will result in my inability to make a car payment this month. I paid the bill because it was the only right thing left to do.
I find it difficult to believe that through many generous donations and volunteer services this organization not only could NOT assist a stray in need, but also FAIL to show any sympathy for the poor, suffering animal. What makes this whole story all the more terrible was the awful service and rude manners shown to me at arrival in the Wellsboro PSPCA office.
What a joke - - I only wish I could get ahold of a list of the PSPCA's benefactors to call them each individually and explain how well their funds are being used in the Wellsboro branch location.