The Great Kitty Rescue - Best Friends Network

Posted 18 Jul 2007 10:46 PM by AddieTM

How horrifically sad! Thank you, Best Friends and Nye County, for saving these cats. The photos tell the story, one of animal cruelty and neglect. Was hoarding involved here? How did this happen? Addie

Posted 18 Jul 2007 10:59 PM by peterh

Yes, I'd like to hear more about what happened here to cause this heartbreaking condition of these cats.

I second Addie's email below - Thank you, Best Friends and Nye county.

I"m getting out my check book now.

Posted 18 Jul 2007 11:15 PM by staceygirl

It's sad that just anyone can put up some fence around hard packed dirt and call it a "sanctuary". Those poor, poor cats. The photos are haunting. The face of cruelty and neglect.

We must all help.

Posted 18 Jul 2007 11:27 PM by laura

Please volunteer if you can and tell everyone you know who may be able to come and help even if it's for a day. Help is very much needed!

Posted 18 Jul 2007 11:55 PM by lyndon40

Wow! Best Friends rocks!

It is amazing to me that someone could let innocent animals starve and suffer. There is information on the Tufts U website about hoarding and how shelters and rescues can become hoarders. Institutional hoarding. An illness, but they have to be kept away from animals. There's no cure.

Thank goodness Nye County didn't let this tragedy go on.

Posted 19 Jul 2007 12:23 AM by sunvalleydancerdog

In response to the preceedng concerns, a family member of mine was a volunteer earlier in this situation. it is my understanding that there was no hoarding, just an unfortunate series of events that led to the neglect and it took time for Nye County to investigate and finally take the responsibility of the sanctuary: in turn Best Friends became involved. At this point there are no fingers to point at anyone - just thanks to everyone involved, and prayers that the furkids recover and find homes

Posted 19 Jul 2007 7:45 AM by bogiedew

How heartbreaking. Will you need any supplies sent? Beds, food, fleece, toys, ect?

Posted 19 Jul 2007 8:23 AM by troublemaker

I am going to volunteer from July 25-Aug 4th. I have reserved an SUV, if anyone coming into Vegas around 1pm on the 25th and needs a lift, let me know at my email address below.
I am looking forward to spending 10 days helping these kitties

tdfravel@gmail.com

Posted 19 Jul 2007 11:22 AM by AddieTM

The important thing now is caring for the cats, but I don't think this kind of horrible neglect is from "just an unfortunate series of events" as sunvalleydancerdog says. This didn't happen overnight. It doesn't take much to feed and give water to animals and to not even do that and call yourself a sanctuary is a crime. Animal abuse and neglect is a crime. They shouldn't be allowed to operate again and yet FLOCK still has a web site up! Let's not protect these people. Let's protect the animals from them.

Posted 19 Jul 2007 11:52 AM by georgiedoglover

Check out the news story in Vegas.

http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/category.asp?C=28259&nav=menu102_3

My heart goes out to the cats and the people at Best Friends and Nye County taking care of them now! Thank you. Thank you.

Posted 19 Jul 2007 12:44 PM by cattees

Thank you BF once again for stepping in to help animals in need. I'm sure what was done for Pets Alive can and will be done for the beautiful creatures of FLOCK. Volunteers rock!

Posted 19 Jul 2007 2:34 PM by AmericanSeniorCats

See also http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6809292. "Russ Meade with animal welfare group Best Friends Network says this two and half acres of fenced-in land is a far cry from the sanctuary the owners called it. 'We're not sure they were fed everyday,' he said.... Volunteers believe the cats were actually caught in Clark County and brought over to Pahrump. Eyewitness News tried calling the number to the Flock Animal Group, but the number has been disconnected. Animal Control is investigating and says the owners could face charges of animal neglect."

Posted 19 Jul 2007 2:35 PM by Tiffani

Thank you to all for your overwhelming support during this response! I am enjoying working with you as you schedule to volunteer and get donations to the facility. For specific questions, please email me at tiffanih@bestfriends.org. Best Friends members truly are exceptional!

Posted 19 Jul 2007 2:47 PM by veganmarcy

This is EXACTLY what has been happening and is happening again in PA with a fake-sanctuary called "Cats With No Name" (catswithnoname.org but not actually a charity!), based in and around Pine Grove. Let's just say the lady who did this before fled a previous building, leaving them for dead. Now she's trying to do it again. I have notified BF and BF's PA network, and am dealing with the authorities as best I can, but if anyone out there is in or near PA or has good contacts *period*, please message me on the network and/or message "kittychump" who is also involved. this case also involved massive fraud, stolen cats (including mine), etc. It is truly a nightmare. Thanks in advance for any support - I don't know if these cats are alive or dead. And local authorities have been more interested in passing the buck than interceding. And she refuses to let ANYONE on the property, has disconnected phones, and only calls or emails folks she can get money out of etc (same for website).

Posted 19 Jul 2007 3:05 PM by kittychump

The exactly parallel crisis in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania re: "Cats With No Name" is also posted on the Best Friends/PA Network forum for posting Missing/Stolen/Lost animals - you can see more details there. To help: call Pine Grove, PA, Police Dept. & the Schuylkill, PA District Attorney's offices [googling will give you the #s; liability issues prevent my giving #s here]. Tell them that Cats With No Name is now "going under" as a business and that the owner now cannot afford care and feeding/watering of animals. Tell then that it is urgent that Animal Control be allowed to intervene. Tell them that many individuals' personal rescued cats including personal pets are endangered as the owner/operator of CWNN is refusing to return animals. We have every reason to believe that animals are suffering terrible or dying or dead already. The owner in question has stated on numerous occasions that she believes in letting animals die "naturally" rather than using any euthanasia even when animals have suffered the most horrendous/excruciating injuries. This is a situation of extreme animal endangerment. Also, anecdotal evidence in the Jonestown, PA, area is that the owner/operator of CWNN has done this before in that area, including abandoning suffering, dying and dead cats by the score when the local authorities and Animal Control were preparing to move onto her property for investigation and rescue operations. There are many other issues involved and interested parties have already filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau. A personal criminal complaint against CWNN is pending, as I write. Please contact Fox43 the area FoxTV affiliate and demand that they follow up on the online press-release information given to them by PA individuals, regarding CWNN and its owner/operator and the criminal animal cruelty, theft of property [pets], and criminal fraud involved. Bless each and every one of you who choose to take action instead of sitting back and saying "Gee, that's horrible." Every single second could mean the difference between the life or death of a beautiful, innocent, terrified and suffering animal. Please save our pet "Joshua" and all the other kitties - please help, "FOR JOSHUA AND ALL THE OTHER KITTIES!!"

Posted 19 Jul 2007 4:09 PM by Plannerguy

I live in Vegas, and I used to go spend time with these cats last year once a month or so on weekends. Then they were healthy and nothing seemed amiss. After February of this year, I did not get around to going back until June, and I was appalled at the conditions. Somehow the place went downhill rapidly. In the past I saw no signs of widespread neglect, I did feel that the people(person) in charge of the operation had no reasonable limit to how many they could care for, so that may have lead to what created a condition of having to many to deal with. Its so sad, there were many loving and healthy cats, with good chances for adoption, and now so many of them are gone. I hope the people running the place don't get off from this with just some bad press, they should face charges..

Posted 19 Jul 2007 4:18 PM by veganmarcy

if anyone has any info on the Las Vegas or Pine Grove (CWNN, see previous comment), or indeed any similar hoarding or bad sanctuary/shelter scenarios, please immediately file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and if possible send a statement or criminal complaint (even better) if applicable to your local DA and police chief. contacting the local media via press release is also good. it only takes a minute to do the BBB complaint, and it can force an investigation, same for calling local authorities. (I wrote this because of last comment from former volunteer wanting charges pressed, all that depends on people like you who can present complaints and/or evidence.) Thanks.

Posted 19 Jul 2007 7:16 PM by njanmlrsq3

I have seen what BFs can do in situations like this with the help of great volunteers and staff. Good luck to all responding out there and remember to drink plenty of fluids and be safe.

George

Posted 19 Jul 2007 9:12 PM by ruthy92

There needs to be some kind of alert system BEFORE these places hit bottom.

I wonder how this can be done.

Posted 19 Jul 2007 9:17 PM by mlmcats54

I live in Las Vegas and am sickened by the Pahrump tragedy. Sadly I saw the same situations when I lived in NW Oregon. Good intentions but so sad for the poor cats. I hope our local area will receive first choice to adopt these wonderful survivors and show them what REAL love is!
MM in LV

Posted 19 Jul 2007 9:50 PM by carrie_fosters

Hi Mary! (mlmcats54). I hope that you and Rex can open your home to a couple of these kitties. They would think they had gone to heaven!

Posted 19 Jul 2007 10:04 PM by kittychump

"What can be done?" Many things: volunteers & volunteer brigades to help existing facilities; pushing for changes in the laws to enforce better standards and oversight, and to increase funding for animal intervention agencies; contacting media to push for more animal protection stories, especially in the aftermath of the dog-fighting scandals related to the NFL/player. And also, stepping up to file complaints against bad "providers": with the Better Business Bureau, with the local Animal Control agencies, with the local/area branches of the ASPCA, with the local police department, with the area's District Attorney, with the state Attorney General's consumer-protection online-complaint website. "Just Do It"!!!! Don't wait for someone else to - innocent animals lives are at stake - and they can't wait - they need us to stand up and fight for them NOW.

Posted 19 Jul 2007 10:45 PM by shellib

When so-called sanctuaries like this have a "puppet" board-a spineless group of people that relish their titles as directors of the board; that keep turning the other way and ignoring the obvious neglect, it is a sad day for all animals. When good employees start getting turned away, as well as hard working volunteers, and the person supposedly in charge thinks nobody can take care of the animals "as well as they themselves can", THIS is the time to wake up! In my opinion, there is no excuse good enough for this kind of neglect. If anyone out there has witnessed this kind of situation, SPEAK UP. The animals have no other voice but yours.

Posted 19 Jul 2007 11:45 PM by jaime

Maggie Ward and the other "board" members are to blame for this. Where have they been? How can you be the President of an organization and not even know what is going on? She has been in charge since May 30. So many of these cats have been given antibiotics and rehydated and are already recovering. If things were that bad when she took control, why didn't anyone monitor this?
I am so frustrated by seeing Maggie go on the news pointing fingers at the previous President. I know the Previous President, as I volunteered until May 2007. She would never have let this happen.
Don't let Maggie point fingers. I have a ton of wonderful things I can tell you about the previous President, but I have many more websites to visit. If anyone is interested in knowing the truth...let me know

Posted 20 Jul 2007 12:47 AM by mrkitty44

this really disturbs me and upsets me considering in february of this year i surrendered my cats to flock trusting them to take care of two of my brother c ats who luckily have had their shots and were neudered they reassured me that they were going to a good place and they even drove to vegas to get them now i am in shock and worry if they are even a live. noow i wonder who the hell can i trust with my pets?

Posted 20 Jul 2007 12:57 AM by Felis_sapien

Once again, Best Friends steps forward. You realize this will only make BF better and better and what it does. I am simply amazed. Bless you all who are there right now at the scene. I'm saying prayers for you all. The those who have to fill in back at the sanctuary, your contribution is very much appreciated.

Thanks. Will be looking forward to the updates.

Posted 20 Jul 2007 1:30 AM by sierrasusieq

Bless you all over and over again !! Best friends is the best.
Those poor cats. I can't imagine someone calling that a sanctuary.

Posted 20 Jul 2007 4:08 AM by kittychump

This massive rescue was way too close for "comfort." I'm terrified that it's much, much later for the parallel horror in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania with Cats With No Name. All of these cat-hoarding monomaniacs have innocent darling little animals at their 'mercy' because punishments are too lenient. And it's way too easy for the guilty creeps to flee and leave horrific and gruesome suffering and dying little creatures behind....

Posted 20 Jul 2007 4:32 AM by swedienjohnson

Oh my God, those poor cats. Thank you Best Friends for coming to their rescue. It's an absolute sin that they've been living like that. We need better regulations so places like that aren't allowed to exist.

Posted 20 Jul 2007 5:49 AM by furry4footedlover

As much as I would like to provide foster care for some kitties, I already have 3 big dogs, a cockateil and a bunny to go with my 2 children. would you accept gift cards from PETCO or PETSMART or essentials such as canned cat food, dry cat food, kitty litter, cat toys or cat beds? I was angered by the conditions that these innocent felines were living in.Are there any drop off points for donations of food or cat supplies in the Las Vegas/Henderson area? Please let me know. It's the least I can do for now.

Posted 20 Jul 2007 10:13 AM by veganmarcy

PLEASE, to all current & former volunteers, supporters, donators, etc relating to this and other "shelters gone bad" PLEASE see my & kittychump's posts below about who to contact *ASAP*. If not you, than who? Local agencies need YOU in order to know what's going on, let alone prosecute and/or rescue in time. Your intervention and complaints to authorities literally mean life or death for the animals, and whether or not people like this will get off scott-free and do it over again and again and again...by the way that paranoid getting rid of all good help, isolating self & shelter (with or w/o accompanying fraud issues) and thinking "no one can take care of them like i can" are all TEXTBOOK marks of a hoarder. This is serious, we can't keep letting these folks get to this point and then keep doing it b/c everyone is sad but no one will go after them let alone who has been involved with them. PLEASE act today, as per action procedures kittychump & I posted below. We can't just give up and think feeling bad or "wishing folks well" about it is the end of our responsibilities. Thank you.

Posted 20 Jul 2007 11:25 AM by jaime

I volunteered for FLOCK when it was run by Sheri Allen. She was forced out in May and the new president, Maggie Ward, pulled the cats out of the PetSmart that I volunteered at. I was a volunteer at the Charleston & Nellis PetSmart. I went in almost every day for 3 months straight. There was never one sick cat brought in from the sanctuary in Pahrump. A few did developed allergies due to the dust in the store. Any time a cat was not feeling well it went back to the sanctuary immediately. I drove half way to Pahrump 2 times to meet one of her staff members to take her cats that developed symptoms after being at the adoption center for over a week. She would take the sick cats to HER OWN HOME to nurse them back to health. Also, if any of the cats got cage anxiety, they were taken out of the cages immediately. Some cats are just not adoptable after being abused and/or abandoned. Any cat that showed any negative symptoms were taken out of the adoption center within hours and returned to the sanctuary for whatever care they needed.

Sheri NEVER turned away an animal in need of a home. I can recall several times that I had cats or kittens dropped off while doing adoptions. I would call her for guidance and she would tell me to make sure to give them food and water and she would have someone pick them up. I personally fostered 5 kittens for 3 weeks. Due to unavoidable circumstances, I was not able to keep them in my home any longer. She took five three month old kittens into her home to foster until they could get all of their shots and sterilized (spayed or neutered) and adopted. We had three kittens come in that were only DAYS old. The mother cat dropped them off in someone’s garage. By the time they came to us they were starving. A lot of people would have given up, but Sheri said if they had any chance of making it, do whatever you have to do. And guess what….they made it.

I have many other examples of her selfless and loving approach towards all of God’s creatures. Sheri has been an inspiration to me and I feel very honored to be able to call her a friend. Please do not believe what people say about her. I know from personal experience that she would never let anything happen to any animal in her care.

I don’t want you to think I am just another “crazy cat lady.” I am a 31 year old wife and mother with a full time, professional career. I love animals and wanted to help out and put an ad on Craig’s List. Sheri responded and I started to volunteer at PetSmart. Anyone that has had this rewarding experience knows how wonderful it is to see the joy of seeing a cat or dog go home to a “Forever Family!”

Don't let Maggie Ward point fingers. IF the conditions were bad when she took over (and I say IF, because I don't believe it) she should have taken some kind of action immediately. How can you be the President of an organization and not know what was going on there. Maggie Ward should be charged along with any other board member.

Posted 20 Jul 2007 4:14 PM by AddieTM

It's typical that people caught committing crimes will start pointing fingers at each other. Animal abuse and neglect is a crime. These cats were terribly sick, starved and living in filthy conditions; the ground is so contaminated at that so-called sanctuary, no animal should be forced to live there again. Imagine how traumatized and dispirited these poor cats were! And these people only care about how they look in all this. Disgusting. They should never have animals again.

Bless you, Best Friends! What an inspiration!

Posted 20 Jul 2007 4:23 PM by Catmommy

If Sheri is such a saint, how come there was no evidence of medical attention for those cats for a very long time? I've had people tell me that when they were at the facility, they stepped over dead cats and saw dead kittens and nobody bothered to pick them up. They just laid there and the help denied their existence.

If anyone questioned her, why did she permanently kick them off the staff or never allowed them to come back? Why didn't she return calls? Why did she hesitate to divulge her name when she did pick up the phone?

And when she was questioned about the state of the facility and the cats, why didn't she offer information, rather than answering with "maybe or maybe not?"

I understand she runs a crematorium for dead animals, did that make it easier to get rid of the evidence of neglect?

People need to come out of that pink cloud they're living in and find some sober truthful answers to all these questions and more.

Posted 20 Jul 2007 4:24 PM by staceygirl

It's great to see people pulling together to save these cats. I hope the same community effort will be used to stop these hoarders or animal abusers from having animals again.

Thank you, Best Friends, for putting the animals first and to Nye County for doing what many law enforcement don't do - enforce animal cruelty laws.

Posted 20 Jul 2007 4:35 PM by onemorechance

I was there in June, a week before Best Friends came out to check things over. I have been in contact with the volunteers there and I know what the cats are like. The current volunteers did their best to help these cats after they were allowed back onto the property after a court order in May. They were locked out in February. The cats were found to be starving and dehydrated. Many of the cats are now dying from kidney failure because of the lack of water months ago.

Here is a good article on them, pretty truthful.....
http://www.lvrj.com/news/8592707.html

I will be going back down there next week to try to help.

Posted 20 Jul 2007 4:40 PM by AmericanSeniorCats

The Tufts University report referenced by lyndon40, below, is found at http://tinyurl.com/2a8lnq.

The Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium Home page is found at http://tinyurl.com/2xw9fw. Note the tabs across the page, "About HARC," "About Hoarding," "Health Issues," "Animal Welfare," "Intervention," and "Resources."

Dave O'Connell
Montgomery Village, Maryland

Posted 20 Jul 2007 4:48 PM by i_care

Does anyone know what happened to the dogs that were with FLOCK?

Posted 20 Jul 2007 5:04 PM by deedoe

I hope the locals that have posted here are making statements to the authorities so they can figure out what happened and who is responsible. THANK YOU Best Friends and all those who are helping any way they can!

Posted 20 Jul 2007 5:20 PM by deedoe

ruthy92 asked a very pertinent question below :

"There needs to be some kind of alert system BEFORE these places hit bottom. I wonder how this can be done."

This is exactly what we should be doing now. Let's redirect our anger into action and more importantly - ideas that lead to solutions.

Why not talk to the different package delivery companys (FedEx, UPS etc), and to postal mail carriers who, on a regular basis, are on the premises of different "sanctuaries". Ask them to cooperate in educating their employees about the signs to watch for, and contact BestFriends, or whoever, at the first signs of suffering or death. I believe something like this has already happened in relation to spotting spousal abuse.

If anyone can accomplish this, BF can. Tiffany, if you're reading this, is this viable?

Posted 20 Jul 2007 5:24 PM by babs1171

As usual I made the mistake of reading this article while I was at work....now I can't stop crying. Unfortunately I can' make it to Nevada to help so I'll make an online donation instead. Thank God for Best Friends....I feel better just knowing Best Friends is involved...I know things will be the best for the cats. I'll make my donation, pray and go home to love on my 4 spoiled rotten cats and hope for the best for the Nevada cats. THANKS AGAIN BEST FRIENDS.

Posted 20 Jul 2007 6:07 PM by katyd

I to have read this at work and am having trouble with the tears. I cannot believe that people do these things, and thank GOD for Best Friends, i live in Colorado so I will make a donation on line and hope that this turns out as well as Pets Alive did for these animals. How can they claim that they were locked out of this facility in May, are they then claiming that the authorities allowed these animals to get this way??? This is soooo sad and may these little souls get all the help they need.

Posted 20 Jul 2007 6:09 PM by ColleenaMareena

Thank goodness for Best Friends, and for Mr. McCarty of Nye County Animal Control for being so willing to make that call to ask for their help. I have supported Best Friends for several years now, and I'm so proud that my dnations go to an organization that is a standard behind which other animal organizations can rally, and one that is so willing to help out wherever the animals need--whether it be a natural disaster, or one of these terrible hoarding situations. I don't know what actually led to this, nor, does it seem, do many other previous posters. I think it's time to get in there, help those poor cats, and let the legal process proceed. Again, thank goodness for Best Friends, and their willingness and ability to help.

Posted 20 Jul 2007 6:58 PM by MassachusettsCats

Dear, Best Friends,

Thank you for continuing to inspire all of us that the no-kill movement really DOES work.

We pray a Best Friends can exist here on the East Coast in the not-too-distant future.

Purrs and Headbutts.

Sharon DuBois
www.billericacatcarecoalition.org

Posted 20 Jul 2007 7:09 PM by GloriaJ

A mighty thank you goes out to Best Friends and the many volunteers that give so much to make sure all these cats are well taken care of and will someday have a home and family they can call all their own.I do volunteer work for my local animal shelter.Those cats have become such a great part of my life.I love being around them everyday.More than that, I love seeing them going to their forever home.Thank you Best Friends for all that you do!Gloria J

Posted 20 Jul 2007 9:02 PM by Mudpuppy

I run a very small cat sanctuary/rescue in Las Vegas (20 cats, max), and have never heard anything bad about FLOCK prior to this. I dealt with Sheri Allen quite a few times when she was in charge of the place, and she was very active/proactive, and even took the time to give me suggestions on how to care for bottle-babies, how to find discount spay/neuter, etc. I just find it hard to believe that someone who was "crazy" would be as organized as Sheri obviously was.

As for the crematorium she runs, that's a legitimate business, and it helped to explain to me how she had funds to care for 400 cats. She opened it to compete with the Craig Road Pet Cemetary, and if the background on her business is true, she forced Craig Road to really step up and improve their services. I like having a couple of facilities to choose from as I cremate all my pets when they die.

With 400 cats, things can spiral downward so quickly. I'm really sorry it got to this stage, but Sheri must have known trouble was coming because she got out in May *and* started her own rescue. Whether "trouble" was something she caused, or was in the form of new board members, I have no idea. I do notice that her new rescue group hasn't been named in any of the stories.

Posted 20 Jul 2007 10:40 PM by RomeoCat

This place in Pahrump is horrible!

My little brother will be in Las Vegas (Palms) next week and I thought about flying out there from NJ to meet him and then drive over to volunteer BUT I think a cash donation will better suffice.

VEGANMARCY & KITTYCHUMP - I live in NJ but am from Philly and I'd like to know more about the situation with Cats With No Name (CWNN).

I went onto the BBB in Scranton, which deals with the Pine Grove area, www.scranton.bbb.org/commonreport.html?bid=93006904
and there was nothing about CWNN listed.

It did state that this company first came to the BBBs attention in July 2007 and that they are attempting to develop more information on the company. At the present time the BBB does not have enough information to issue a full report.

I also went to the CWNN website and it looks as though its just a spay/neuter mobile and not an actual facility but then again, the principal there, Virginia Kresge Justiniano, may have set it up that way to throw people off and make it look extremely legit.

Hey, I'm all for knocking an abuser down (I just spent the last several hours writing emails to the key players at the NFL, as well as Nike, demanding they ban Michael Vick from playing and endorsing) but is there strong proof about this organization, CWNN?

I live in Central NJ, which is over 3 hours from Pine Grove, so its not like its just around the corner BUT if there is proof of criminal acts, then I become a Pitt Bull and will attack!

If so, please keep me updated so I can also inform my younger brother, whom still lives in Philly and is a cat owner and lover and would love to know of this so-called sanctuary.

Thank you.

Posted 20 Jul 2007 11:36 PM by veganmarcy

To All - I donated as well, thank those who did, and encourage those who didn't to pitch in even what small amount they can afford.

To Romeocat - Luckily I checked back and saw your post. YES we are one of basically several folks who are going after this lady. She lies and lies and then cuts off her phones but magically gets in contact with people she can bilk money out of (posing as a non-profit, which she isn't!!!) inlcuding YES for supposed foster-to-adopt-out facilities, etc. She has even been keeping people's private pets (there for temp medical treatment *only*, fixing and the like), including one of mine!!! She doesn't bother showing up to appointments with local shelters and such, she's fired her staff, and basically it's a nightmare. Plus the rescues, again including the rescues I thought were going to better place, my and others' large amounts of money, etc. She will not allow anyone on property, including officials and long-standing "friends". She is just smart enough to pull off this malarky and just crazy enough to, as with her past allegations, flee a dying shelter and leave tons of cats to die slowly all over again. Her name is VIRGINIA KRESGE JUSTINIANO. As of today I have submitted an official criminal complaint w/enclosures via fax to the Pine Grove Police Dept and the Schuylkill Cty PA D.A.'s office. The last time she did this she & her accomplices fled and she got off scott-free. It can't happen again, and I am haunted by images of how the cats are doing, if alive at all. She sells off food donations and lets her animals starve, this is how awful she is. And she is oh so good at playing nice and being in touch only when she feels like it - all these types are, and that is what others were discussing below about how these things go this far. But when people are cagey, this stuff happens. Sigh. Anyways, here's a link to my BBB complaint, which I updated this second to indicate I'd filed the Criminal Complaints and am pressing ahead legally against her, etc (at least one other person has also filed with BBB, but via their charity complaint site instead): http://scranton.ebindr.com/complaint/view/22013367/c/zh9nf9
Message kittchump or myself (veganmarcy) through the Network Mail for further.

Posted 20 Jul 2007 11:46 PM by veganmarcy

fyi my last post should have ended with Network mailing myself or "kittychump".

Posted 20 Jul 2007 11:59 PM by staceygirl

I was at this he--hole before Best Friends came in. It was horrible and these cats were truly suffering, dying. It was awful animal cruelty. Anyone who thinks it was okay or not that bad needs to think again. And they sure shouldn't be allowed to run a sanctuary or even care for or have animals. All the fingerpointing, excuses and misinformation FLOCK is now spreading is disgusting. The same Board has been there a long time. This place didn't get that way in a week or a month or 2 months.

Posted 21 Jul 2007 2:04 AM by kittychump

The parallel case in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania involving "Cats With No Name" is about to move to a new level - the Schuylkill County District Attorney's office will have received the criminal complaint materials from 'veganmarcy' with my supporting statements/documents as well, via fax, when the workday begins on monday. [hopefully the fax went through as the confirmation sheet said it did!] The D.A.'s office will be deciding what to do with the complaint; there must be public outcry to make the prosecution take place. There absolutely MUST.

You may be a person who makes all the difference - how remarkable could that be??!!! Legal issues, of course, prevent me from listing the contact name/number/etc. for the legal authorities/etc. However, any person who can google can find them. So by Tuesday or Wednesday of this coming week it will be time to begin calling area authorities, calling Fox43 the FoxTV affiliate in that area of PA that had already been notified 2 weeks ago via the online set-up for reporting to the station. Local PA concerned parties sent that in, but as yet Fox hasn't got back into contact. An obvious point of activity - getting the media to respond and tell the story. not to mention the need to urge local people & allies to get the Animal Control people to actually follow through and come onto the properties and for rescue-related agencies like BF to finally have the chance to save the traumatized, innocent and terrified remaining :( animals.... it will not happen by magic: only by yourselves and any other folks you can 'corral' or give inspiration to, to fight: "FOR JOSHUA AND ALL THE OTHER KITTIES!!!"

Posted 21 Jul 2007 2:38 AM by kittychump

i also gave a donation - thanks to the urgings of veganmarcy! :) this Las Vegas case is just too close to what we're fighting in Pine Grove, PA - it makes my stomach lurch and my heart ache. now is the time to give up "extras" and break out the plastic or the check book & dig a little deeper. Those little kitties were being cooked alive in the desert's blazing heat, suffering from starvation, dehydration - and eyes full of maggots for goodness sake!!! What monstrous suffering for tiny, loving little innocents - who only want to love and be loved! Time to be able to look oneself in the mirror and say: "I sent in some money because that's what I know I had to do!" You know how pitifully grateful the little kitties are now, to finally be getting care and living-giving aid and that very unique and special "BF Love"!!!! Wouldn't you love to be a part of that? I couldn't afford a lot, but I'm certainly glad now that I did give. I wish it could be a whole lot more. Bless each and every one of you who chooses to put your money where your heart is. :)

Posted 21 Jul 2007 3:23 PM by cats47

Thank you a million times Best Friends for ALL you do. This story from Pahrump absolutely makes me so sad and especially angry. Please don't anyone try to excuse Sheri Allen and/or the new idiotic president , Margaret whoever. I just listened to one of the News Reports on this very story and Margaret said she had only been president for 6 weeks so Ms. Allen is responsible; I think both should be prosecuted. How could Margaret ? be president for 6 weeks and not know what is going on? Both these people are wicked, deserve jail time (as long a possible), felonies, and big fines.

I recently reported another Emergency Cats Situation happening right in Las Vegas at Stella Flemings and Downs Tower Senior Housing at 400 Brush Street just north of Arizona Charlies Casino off of Decatur. There are at least 30-40+ cats living between the two housing buildings, barely surviving. Many are sick with eye infections, etc. and most looked starved. I took several photos of the cats and sent to Best Friends Animal Specialist; she was so kind to call both my mother and I back about the situation. I just wondered if anything was ever done for these cats? Does anyone know or would anyone in the Las Vegas Area be willing to take on these cats (spay/neuter, vet care, feed, find homes for, love?); many are young, and with a little high-quality food, vet care, and love they would be beautifiul loving pets. Unfortunately most of the cats are feral, but as I say they are young and many warmed up to me when I brought them some good tasty food. Please call or e-mail me at (618) 559-0243 or ingridcats47@yahoo.com. Residents at both Senior housing buildings are not allowed to feed the cats or if they do they face eviction (a few kind residents sneak and feed these precious felines anyway; I did when I was visiting my mom and also left her a big bag of Science Diet). These cats survive on sprinkler water in the terrible summer heat of Las Vegas.

I live in Illinois and, of course, already have a very full house with two large dogs, and 8 rescued cats, and in town (over city ordinance of 5 cats) so can't adopt any of these or the newly rescued 400 cats from the Flock disaster. Thank you. And please anyone help me get some publicity for these cats at 400 Brush Street.

And thank you, thank you, thank you Best Friends. You are the best.

Ingrid Hansen
203 S. Wedgewood Lane
Carbondale, IL 62901

Posted 21 Jul 2007 3:23 PM by cats47

Thank you a million times Best Friends for ALL you do. This story from Pahrump absolutely makes me so sad and especially angry. Please don't anyone try to excuse Sheri Allen and/or the new idiotic president , Margaret whoever. I just listened to one of the News Reports on this very story and Margaret said she had only been president for 6 weeks so Ms. Allen is responsible; I think both should be prosecuted. How could Margaret ? be president for 6 weeks and not know what is going on? Both these people are wicked, deserve jail time (as long a possible), felonies, and big fines.

I recently reported another Emergency Cats Situation happening right in Las Vegas at Stella Flemings and Downs Tower Senior Housing at 400 Brush Street just north of Arizona Charlies Casino off of Decatur. There are at least 30-40+ cats living between the two housing buildings, barely surviving. Many are sick with eye infections, etc. and most looked starved. I took several photos of the cats and sent to Best Friends Animal Specialist; she was so kind to call both my mother and I back about the situation. I just wondered if anything was ever done for these cats? Does anyone know or would anyone in the Las Vegas Area be willing to take on these cats (spay/neuter, vet care, feed, find homes for, love?); many are young, and with a little high-quality food, vet care, and love they would be beautifiul loving pets. Unfortunately most of the cats are feral, but as I say they are young and many warmed up to me when I brought them some good tasty food. Please call or e-mail me at (618) 559-0243 or ingridcats47@yahoo.com. Residents at both Senior housing buildings are not allowed to feed the cats or if they do they face eviction (a few kind residents sneak and feed these precious felines anyway; I did when I was visiting my mom and also left her a big bag of Science Diet). These cats survive on sprinkler water in the terrible summer heat of Las Vegas.

I live in Illinois and, of course, already have a very full house with two large dogs, and 8 rescued cats, and in town (over city ordinance of 5 cats) so can't adopt any of these or the newly rescued 400 cats from the Flock disaster. Thank you. And please anyone help me get some publicity for these cats at 400 Brush Street.

And thank you, thank you, thank you Best Friends. You are the best.

Ingrid Hansen
203 S. Wedgewood Lane
Carbondale, IL 62901

Posted 21 Jul 2007 3:46 PM by teri

Thank you Best Friends for your assistance to these animals. I continue to feel that what some of these so called non-profits are doing by taking in animals when they are not managing the organization in proper manner, is an outrage. I agree that all involved in position of authority deserve Jail Time, the new person in charge and the former as well as any board that they have in place former and latter know what is at hand and why. There are too many organizations parading around as humane animal welfare groups who are doing nothing, but lining their pocket at the expense of the animals involved. Such disorder doesn't happen in a short period of time. One of the commentarys stated that the former person in charge of this rescue has gone on to start another rescue. I suggest that authorities become involved so that she is not able to do what she did here in yet another organization. These people need to be stopped. They are not one of us who love animals or they wouldn't be contributing to such horrendous situation where it's the animals are put in such conditions with not even basic needs met. Enough is enough. As advocates for animals, it's up to us to see that such people are prevented through legal channels from ever having an animal much less a rescue organization.

Posted 21 Jul 2007 7:13 PM by kittychump

I'm RIGHT WITH YOU, Teri! You can begin adding your voice and actions right away to help fight against these predators, torturers and murders of darling little innocents. And any persons who have given donations either in cash or in goods and services, & especially anybody who has turned over animals either pets or rescued, to these establishments, can begin to fight these horrors by contacting the Better Business Bureau either by phone or by the link provided below by veganmarcy, as it literally takes SECONDS to file an official complaint against a business - the process couldn't be simpler, and it's easy to be able to check anytime you wish on your filed complaint as well and update your information, as the online set-up is so easy.

Also, you can join in similar efforts to what Marcy/veganmarcy & myself Alice/kittychump are now legally pursuing against the parallel situation in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania: filing legal charges. If you and/or your relatives/friends/etc. have animals involved, the humans involved can file charges for Theft of Property or the like; if you have contributed moneys that you have records for you can charge Criminal Fraud. In many cases, generous donors can prove a level of payment that will put a charge to the Gross Misdemeanor or even to the Felony level. DON'T BE INTIMIDATED BY THE LEGAL PROCESS!!! Just be clear, stick to the provable facts and provide verifications of those, in your charges. Those of you who wish to help can submit letters and/or formal support statements to the legal authorities involved; support statements can contain anecdotal or second-hand information as long as there is some reasonable verification or website printouts or weblinks or the like to show patterns of behavior and the like. IF I CAN DO IT SO CAN YOU!!!! Who else can the innocent critters rely on except those of us who really care?

Last but not least you can deluge the authorities with calls AND letters AND e-mails all stating in the clearest, most basic and proper terms that you wish the vile situation/s at hand to be prosecuted to the FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW including but not limited to: jail-time for the perpetrators/abusers; shutting-down of the business at hand or proper/legal transfer to verifiably-responsible and caring/humane parties; monetary and other fines, reparation-payments/etc. to be paid to pet-owners, and to be available to pay for ongoing treatment of injury, illness, neglect, abuse and also traumatization of the animals involved - all of them, including ferals, not only beloved personal pets.

Remember - if you don't step up to the plate, maybe nobody else will EITHER. Thanks to all those who move from 'sympathy' and 'concern' to ACTION. And, keep on giving funds to the proper parties such as Best Friends Animal Rescue Fund!!! :)

And, from my heart, EXTRA thanks to those who begin contacting legal authorities such as the Police Department and the Schuylkill County District Attorney's office, as well as area animal authorities, and media in and around Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, to demand action against Virginia Kresge Justiniano, her agents and her business "Cats With No Name" - 'FOR JOSHUA AND ALL THE KITTIES!' -- Alice a.k.a. kittychump

Posted 21 Jul 2007 7:20 PM by kittychump

p.s. - Just to be extra-clear: I'm meaning that EVERYBODY can take action against these predatory animal-torturers and animal-killers, ANYWHERE - whether that's in Las Vegas, in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania - or ANYWHERE that they see this going on.

You can be the key. Don't miss your chance - the critters have no one but ourselves to fight for them - and to stop their entirely preventable sufferings and miserable deaths.

Posted 22 Jul 2007 7:39 AM by Mudpuppy

Personally, I'm very reluctant to demonize anyone until I know all the details of this story. Even with my tiny, almost invisible sanctuary, I get at least four calls per week from people wanting to dump cats. If I took them all, I've have over 200 cats in just one year. When I'm full, I turn off my phone so people who want to get rid of animals can't contact me, but what if I was so visible that I couldn't hide? What if people knew where I lived and just dumped unwanted pets on my doorstep? What do I do with them? Take them to Lied, to face certain death? Talk to all the other already-full rescues? The general public abuses private rescues and shelters, so we hide, and it means a very prominent rescue like FLOCK takes what the rest of us are deflecting. Of course what happened at FLOCK was wrong, period. But when things got out of hand, when things started to go downhill, who could FLOCK turn to for help? If you sent a cat to FLOCK because you insisted it go to a no-kill facility, would you have been happy if FLOCK had turned cats over to the county kill shelter? Would you have been happy if FLOCK had just turned your cat away, period, like all the other rescues had?

My point (and I do have one) is that private rescues which are sincerely no-kill and have high visibility seem like disasters waiting to happen. They offer the one thing the public demands - a no-kill facility with no waiting list for intake - and the public takes advantage of that. When something goes wrong at the shelter, they've got absolutely no safety net to help with their burden, because the rest of us are tapped out, too.

So, while you're stringing up the director and president of FLOCK, save some energy to string up the people who dumped litters of kittens at FLOCKs front door in the middle of the night, and pregnant female cats, and unneutered males, etc. If the general public could just each look after ONE CAT PROPERLY, JUST ONE, problems like FLOCK would never, ever happen.

Posted 22 Jul 2007 1:40 PM by staceygirl

Mudpyppy makes a great point. The public needs to be educated - if they don't see it already - that all cats and dogs must be spayed/neutered and they must be viewed as part of the family, not something to dump on a resuce or local pound for what are often ridiculous reasons. We must all take responsiblity.

But having a "sanctuary" or "rescue" carries responsiblity too. You know the public's attitudes and the limited resources when you go into this and when you've been doing it as long as FLOCK. It's no excuse for abject cruelty and neglect. This Board and its presidents refused to make needed changes or work with animal control to clean up conditions and care properly for the cats. They wouldn't even try. They had no adoption program in Pahrump, no vet care, no records of the cats. Flies and waste everywhere. No litter boxes, just gravel. Cats with open wounds, blood dripping, starving, one found with an eye hanging out. Not nearly enough food and fresh water. Many cats with no shelter from the 110 degree or more temps. You have no idea how terrible this was.FLOCK has made excuses, denied there was a problem and now they are just not being truthful about the horrible suffering they allowed to happen.

Posted 22 Jul 2007 4:05 PM by LVRottie

I have had the wonderful opportunity to spend two days at this location and help where I can. I am amazed at what BF is doing. The cats really are coming out of their shell.

Some of the cats still jump on you for attention, but yesterday there were many people just spending time with the cats and giving love to everyone who wanted it.

As the personalities become more apparent, the cats are starting to get names. ZZYZX is named after a road between CA and NV - but it fits him. He is a sturdy white to silver (not gray) cat that one is drawn to. Laundry Diva is calm and does prefer the top of the refrigerator. Onyx is a beautiful Siamese mix that is black with some subtle rust streaks. Stephan is black and white and is calm, loving, yet regal. There are so many more - but I have taken up enough room. I will post more later.

Posted 22 Jul 2007 11:42 PM by kittylovers

Does anyone know where this place is? My husband and I drove to Pahrump from Las Vegas today to volunteer and to bring donations. We could not find it. We called Information and they had no listing. We called the police department and they did not know where it is, said all they know is what they read on the internet. Called animal control, left a message and never heard back. emailed and phoned Best Friends with messages and haven't heard back. Went to the address of where you're asking donations to be mailed and it was a vacant lot. Would like to try again next weekend, but could use the address. Asked several Pahrump residents in different locations and most of them did not even know what we were talking about. Thanks for any information, would like to help

Posted 23 Jul 2007 1:39 AM by bestwireless

I am sure that the caretakers did not intend on this.
How can we help to prevent future occurances of the same disaster.

One thing I can think of is trying to change young people in school to have compassion for animals. Perhaps with events at school with cats and dogs during the presentation to touch kids hearts.

Personally, I never thought about cats or animal welfare until a friend brought me two little kittens to raise. These cats are now my children and I love them dearly. I claim that they are the most spoiled cats in the world.

Cruelty can be changed to compassion with a little education and exposure to the blessed loving which a cat can provide.

My heart was changed, and now I am trying to help all cats with monthly contributions to volunteer groups like Best Friends, ASPCA, Friends for Feline, SPARE, PETA, and the Humane Society.

I am located in Albuquerque, NM. If anyone out there needs my help in any local cat cause, please call at 505-298-0704

Thanks,

Bob

Posted 23 Jul 2007 2:16 AM by kittyhaven

We are a very small rescue in Tacoma, WA., but can take in two or three kittens in need of medical care. We can provide vet exams, medications, surgery if necessary.

We cannot take in any kitten over four months of age because our few foster homes have personal cats who get upset with older kittens.

We can travel halfway for transport.

Stephanie
Kitty Haven

Posted 23 Jul 2007 10:38 AM by kittychump

Update: My BFGA daughter Marcy a.k.a. veganmarcy's charges against Virginia Kresge Justiniano/CatsWithNoName in the parallel case in Pine Grove borough, PA, have been received by the Pine Grove PA Police Dept. The Pine Grove PD confirmed by phone to me this a.m. that they have officially sent the charges on to the Schuylkill County District Attorney's Office for consideration! Please support our case and contact the D.A.'s office beginning this Tuesday, to give your support to our case & ask them to prosecute this matter to the fullest extent of the law - and to allow Animal Control to investigate on the actual properties involved so that rescue can take place for all of the animals involved including those at the private residence/s of Virginia Kresge Justiniano and her agents/associates. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!! We are trying to prevent what almost happened to the kitties, if authorities and BF hadn't stepped in when they did, in Nye County! [Liability issues prevent me from listing phone#s but googling online will give you the contact phone & fax #s for the Schuylkill County, PA, District Attorney, James P. Goodman. Bless you all - and please contribute if you can, as Marcy & I both have, to the Best Friends Animal Rescue Fund!!!

Posted 23 Jul 2007 10:42 AM by kittychump

Small correction: My daughter, Marcy Andersen, is a BF/GA sponsor, not an actual GA caregiver. She has rescued and cared for 23 feral cats herself and so she's a "caregiver" though, for sure! :) Just wanted to be clear. Thanks, one & all, for your understanding and help to our parallel case in Pennsylvania!!

Posted 23 Jul 2007 1:12 PM by cathyscott

To cats47 (Ingrid Hansen):
Bobbi Klocker, a cat advocate and rescuer in Las Vegas, has been TNRing the cats at the Stella Flemings and Downs Tower Senior Housing facilities. A photographer and I followed her for two days at the senior housing facilities and other locations in Las Vegas. She traps them, gets them medical care, vaccinations and neutering with a local vet, then either adopts them out or returns them. Residents, who are her eyes and ears, also feed and look after them, on the sly when the managers aren't looking (because, as you pointed out, management has asked them not to help the cats). Bobbi has permission from the housing managers to TNR the cats.

Here's the link to the story about Bobbi's efforts:
http://network.bestfriends.org/nevada/news/11154.html

I'd be happy to put you in touch with Bobbi, so you can express specifics to her. My email address is cathys@bestfriends.org.

Thanks so much for your concern for the cats. --Cathy

Posted 23 Jul 2007 2:08 PM by csmrcka

to kittylovers,
there is info on this website on how you can help:
i cut and pasted for you:
"Directions from Las Vegas to the FLOCK property in Pahrump: Take Blue Diamond Highway (Highway 160) to Pahrump, turn left on Homestead (directly across from the Shell gas station), turn right on Silver, right again on Vicki Ann, and then right on Bond. The address is 2171 Bond. Look for the “Welcome Volunteers” sign with the Best Friends logo.

VOLUNTEER
No previous cat handling experience is needed but you do need to be able to work outside in extreme heat doing physical labor and lifting. If you have availability to volunteer, please contact Tiffani Hill at tiffanih@bestfriends.org or 805-698-5959. "

good for you for trying to help; i'd do it if i were anywhere nearby. thank you for your efforts!

Posted 23 Jul 2007 7:41 PM by AddieTM

It's gratifying to see such an outpouring of support and help for these poor little kitties. Yeah, Best Friends and the Las Vegas community!!!!

Posted 23 Jul 2007 7:54 PM by laura

We have the second cat who was adopted from this place. He's a sweet little fellow, Mac for Tim McCarty, the Nye County animal control officer, who stepped up and saved these animals from a truly horrible existence.

Mac seems to like hanging with the dog more than our other cats and he will roll over for a belly rub. He's got some mites, upper respiratory infection and is malnourished, but he will be fine. It's hard to think of him living in that filthy, fly and maggot infested squalor with nearly 400 other cats in such oppressive heat with little food and clean water. But he's out now, and I thank Nye County for saving Mac and the others from such suffering. I thank Best Friends for saving him and the others from what would have almost certain euthanasia by a county that could not have handled the rescue, care and sheltering and placement of 400 abused and neglected cats without help. The Best Friends' team knows how to do rescues and care and sheltering of animals so well, and I know all of the cats are now in good hands. With your help, Best Friends will be able to provide wonderful care including veterinary care for these cats and find all of them good homes.

Posted 23 Jul 2007 9:56 PM by FelineGrandma

I would definately like to agree with Mudpuppy. It is very easy to be critical of the no-kill sanctuaries and other rescure groups that are inundated with the results of irresponsible pet owners who no longer can "deal" with their pet. Until you get hundreds of calls a week from people who don't want to be personally responsible for their pets any more, you don't know. They are willing to donate a few bucks and dump the poor animal and then be critical out of guilt that the cat isn't getting the treatment that they think they should get, but they weren't willing to give because it was too inconvenient.

I was a volunteer for Cats With No Name. I worked with the low cost Spay Neuter part of the organization for about a year. During the last year we were responsible for fixing over 11000 cats at cost. It was not a business but an animal welfare organization. It was Ginny's dream child and 11,000 cats and their owners thank her. No one made money except the vet who was an amazing professional. The van cost over $200,000 and was not paid for but leased.

I don't believe that the organization should be slandered. I don't believe I ever saw the ladies from NJ working at a clinic. I doubt that they put in any time at Ginny's sanctuary effort either. If the sanctuary had problems, it was unfortunate and tragic. Virginia Justiniano was like many who offered animals with no where else to go sanctuary ---overwhelmed. She could have made mistakes.

Unless you are willing to go in and put "hands on" time with the animals, please don't be so quick to condemn. Volunteer! Your time is worth more than your money.

Posted 23 Jul 2007 10:13 PM by kittychump

Feline Grandma - re: Cats With No Name, in Pine Grove, PA, the parallel to the Nye County, LV situation - I'm sure other people said exactly the same thing about FLOCK in Nye County until the truth came out. You are incorrect about "slander" - that means telling lies - but in the case of Virginia/CatsWithNoName we are telling the absolutely verifiable and complete truth. And since we filed our criminal complaint charges with the District Attorney and word is getting out, now more and more people both in the Pine Grove, PA, area and further afield are coming forwardin support of our case with verified, honest and heart-breaking accounts. We just got a new one tonight that's an EXACT parallel to ours. "Denial is not just a river in Egypt" - denial enables abusers and exploiters and unstable people whose 'good intentions' have turned into cat-hoarding nightmares. That is what is going on now. No slander, no exaggerations, just cold hard facts. You can enable, or you can help to rescue the cats. The folks volunteering in the Nye County case now are helping, not enabling. End of story.

Posted 23 Jul 2007 10:22 PM by kittychump

p.s. Just like in FLOCK in Nye County, LV, the same has happened with Virginia/Cats With No Name in Pine Grove, PA - only a few "inner circle" loyalists are allows onto the property and all the rest of us have been threatened directly or indirectly, some threatened with bodily harm by Virginia's "biker" boyfriend as he's been described to us by folks back there. I prefer bikers like the ones who raise money for Best Friends!!! Animal rescue and care has to be an open, transparent, sharing process of love and honesty, like BF provides and helps others to continue to build. Not a cult of secrecy and hidden animals suffering and in need of rescue.

Posted 26 Jul 2007 11:17 AM by ratmom

Sorry to digress, but could anyone give an update on the two cats pictured on this page? The black-and-white cat breaks my heart whenever I see this picture. Thanks.

Posted 26 Jul 2007 2:21 PM by sandy

Ratmom....I'm right there with you...They break my heart also. Lets hope we get some feedback on your request for an update!!!

Posted 26 Jul 2007 3:46 PM by Kittycrazy

Yes, I agree, these two are just heartbreaking. I would love to know how they are doing. Also the kitty with the bad eye. The last I read was that they thought an infection might be setting in. Any word on these three?
Thank you doesn't even begin to express how I feel for those who are volunteering in those high temperatures. You are all wonderful!

Posted 26 Jul 2007 9:02 PM by LVRottie

Okay, so I was a little off - my husband and I did not make it back out until yesterday afternoon. But it was well worth it!

The cat with the one eye is doing better. Yea!!!!! There are still plenty of cats that are not out of the woods yet, though. The Feline Lukemia Hut has grown to about 10 cats (out of 91), but I don't know how many FIV positive cats there are but there are definitely more than 10. While they can't test for FIP it is believed that they are seeing a bit of that. I do not know about the two other cats that some members have asked about.

So, now for the great news. We were there for the 7:30 p.m. feeding - oh my goodness! There were cats from everywhere. Cats that I had not seen before - even some of the feral cats come in to eat. Best of all, the cats are socializing, grooming, talking, and just hanging out around the humans more.

There is an electrician that was installing lights in the huts and replacing inferior lighting fixtures - he sat down in the main area and an orange and white cat curled up in his lap and fell asleep - for an hour - and he just sat there and loved the cats.

People are coming by and dropping off donations and / or looking for their cats and they end up staying and watering plants, doing laundry, bringing in donated items, wanting tours, and just gathering in the main area and loving the cats.

There were so many differences in the cats just between last weekend and yesterday: the young cats (under 1 year) aren't hiding anymore, the cats are in larger groups now - they hang out with each other - not just 2 or 3 together but 10 or 15 together, there are more cats socializing with us humans and not so many of them jump up on you and dig in, the feral cats will let humans get to within 3 to 5 feet of them - not the 25-35 feet of last weekend, cats that were thought feral are now coming up to people for loves.

It was so wonderful to see so much change for the better in such a short time but the battle is not yet over. Cash donations for medical supplies and treatments are needed, veterinarians and vet techs are desperately needed. The BF staff takes care of the animals first and themselves second, so bringing out good, nutritious meals to the rescue site would be greatly appreciated. Scoopable kitty litter would also be great and the staff and the cats would be forever thankful.

Most of all, we just need to make sure that the response doesn't diminish to nothing - BF will be out at the site for at least 3 months - we all need to keep pitching in

Posted 27 Jul 2007 6:21 PM by herecrookshanks

Everyone reading this can help every day -- but will you?

This situation is not a hoarder. FLOCK set out to save as many animals as possible. Every no-kill shelter does that.

I am a long-time shelter volunteer at a no-kill facility in Illinois. Let me tell you what causes heartbreaking situations like this. As mudpuppy pointed out, people want to relinquish pets to a no-kill facility, and they don't want to wait until space is available.

There truly is never space available, but no-kill shelters manage to make space. They ask more of their volunteers, they hold one more fundraiser, they price shop supplies and medicines, they set up temporary crates, they ask for foster homes. They work every single day including holidays cleaning cages, feeding and watering, laundering bedding, scrubbing floors, providing meds, rebandaging puppies, running subcu fluids, dishing up a multitude of savory concoctions in an attempt to get a depressed or ill animal to eat, propping up volunteers who are emotionally overwhelmed, encouraging everyone to do just a bit more. Why?
Because we know what will happen if we say "No." The pets will end up 1.) dumped on a country road, 2.) shot, 3.) abused -- I won't even mention the methods.

Financial support needs to constantly be sought, but when is there time to hold a bake sale or a dog walk when there aren't enough volunteers to clean the shelter. Who steps in when someone is ill, or needs to attend a family function? Nobody...that's who.

Condemn all you want. Until you raise your hand as a regular shelter worker, you have no idea what it takes...it takes a tremendous amount of diligence, physical work, and emotional strength. It is a thankless job that garners nothing but criticism. If you see starving and thirsty animals in the photos from FLOCK, then think about where you were when they needed food and water. Think they need medical care? When did you organize, publicize and hold your last fundraiser on behalf of a shelter or ask a vet to donate some services? Think FLOCK took too many animals? Which animal would you decide not to save...the orphaned litter of kittens that will require feeding and cleaning every two hours?...the dog hit by a car who will require emergency surgery?...the mom cat with mastitis...the old cat that requires daily fluid therapy?....the pitbull cross that despite his loving nature, probably won't be adopted?...the circling cat suffering from ear infections?...a kitten mauled by a dog?

Thank goodness for Best Friends in helping the animals of FLOCK. But before we condemn those caretakers at FLOCK or any other shelter, let's recognize that there are no-kill shelters across our nation and every one of them needs not only financial support, but dedicated volunteers who will show up, no matter what, or will make sure their areas are covered by trading with another volunteer. That's the kind of commitment that is needed to ensure that the tragedy of FLOCK is not repeated. Every one of us can help -- every day. Will you?

Posted 28 Jul 2007 8:59 AM by happy2bhere

Hey if you have checked this out you need to...http://www.flockcats.com/
Good job BF..Even if FLOCK did throw you off the property 1 week before you and animal control took over.

Posted 28 Jul 2007 8:15 PM by ratmom

herecrookshanks,

A no-kill shelter is not an excuse to accept every animal that is brought to its doorstep. No-kill is often synonymous with "limited access." A shelter has to decide how many animals it can reasonably take care of and that's it!! It's a hard decision, but it has to be made.

I don't think hoarding is the issue in Pahrump, but a very poorly run board was. If you don't like that then get out of the shelter and get on a well-run board and find out what it takes.

Everyone who wants to excuse poor management at the board level and at the shelter level needs to stop working with animals because you haven't gotten it yet. Best Friends isn't as good as it is because they
"wing it." They plan and organize and have policies and outreach programs, not excuses.

Lurching from crisis to crisis is not the solution and ultimately hurts the animals. And Best Friends and other top-notch sanctuaries know that.

I'm sure you mean well, but your insights are not helping the animals and not helping to run no-kill shleters.

Posted 29 Jul 2007 5:32 AM by bestwireless

I agree 100% with "herecrookshanks". There is so much need, lets not condemn those that are at least trying.

God Bless Best Friends!

Bob
Albuquerque, NM

Posted 30 Jul 2007 2:18 AM by gclarkins

I have spent the day volunteering at this facility. This is my first time in an animal rescue situation. What a great group of on site staff working 16 hours a day. They eat drink and sleep with the cats. I have never been around so many cats in one place. Cats were so starved for attention that they were following me around waiting for me to sit so they could take over my lap. The cats are about 2-3 lbs underweight and are being fed wet food to help rehydrate them. People were just driving up with donations of food and equipment. It looks like there will be a need for help at least through the first of the year. The volunteer coordinator needs people during the weekdays when most people are not available because of work.

Posted 30 Jul 2007 1:46 PM by mirellat2002

ratmom....what are you talking about? Saying that no-kill shelters are really just 'limited access' places?? HUH?? Isn't Best Friends a no-kill shelter? Give your head a shake. Almost by definition, a no-kill shelter usually MUST take 'every animal that shows up at its doors', because it is usually the last chance for that animal's survival. No other place wants or has room for the animal. Just what exactly do you propose should happen to the animals that show up after the sanctuary's 'magic number' is reached? Just kill the rest?
WHY are you attacking 'herecrookshanks'? This is obviously a person who has been devoting their life to animal welfare....and just as obviously you have NOT ever worked within a no-kill sanctuary/shelter environment. I have, and I can vouch for what 'herecrookshanks' writes. That is exactly what happens within our organization, always finding room for 'one more', even when it seems impossible. But we never give up, though there are times when emotional and physical exhaustion seem beyond human endurance. And it's all done for the animals. So, please cool it with the negative attacks and start doing some on the ground welfare work. MT

Posted 30 Jul 2007 2:10 PM by CURTISAUTO

Why would Flock be asking for donations if they cant adopt out any cats? Could it be for legal fee's?
BF has all the cats....I heard Flock was even removed from petsmart so they cant adopt out any cats.
So why do they need donations?
So I say if you want to help by donation send it to BF.

Posted 30 Jul 2007 5:50 PM by rescuerCalifornia

No-kill shelters often have long, long waiting lists and it is usually very difficult to get an animal into one of them. With all the nonprofits out there looking for grants and donations, it can be a real uphill battle to get the needed funds to run your group. The public has a huge misconception that if your group is a nonprofit then basically you're guaranteed money to help run your org and all you have to do is write some grant letters and the money will start flowing in. This group, FLOCK, with all the cats they were caring for, could have gone under quite easily. It really doesn't take much to put your group in the red when you have this many animals needing food and vet care on a daily basis. If just a few of your regular donors back out you are going to have major problems and they are going to add up very quickly. So to all the finger pointers who have never run a group and probably have trouble balancing their own checkbook, you don't understand that this can happen to any group. It is truly a harsh world out there for nonprofits and comparing what Best Friends does, who makes any challenge look easier than it really is, to other shelters and groups is not painting a true picture of how things really are out there.

Posted 30 Jul 2007 6:23 PM by JerseyGrrl

I'd like to thank whoever is taking all the great photos.
The photos on the main Best Friends website have been wonderful. So much of each cat's personality comes through!

I hope that someone can get more photos up soon... I mean photos and names of adoptable cats.

Posted 30 Jul 2007 6:36 PM by cuda

I realize that this is different than Pets Alive in that the person in question (Sheri Allen) is still alive, but I am wondering on both counts- Where are the board of directors when all this starts to go wrong?? They seem to be no where to be found and it appears seeing and taking care of the animals is not their problem. What exactly is the purpose of the board if when things get messed up they let animals suffer. Have not these animals suffered enough?? On Flockcats.com the only really disturbing letter was about the freezer of dead cats. I would like to hear the why of that. to me it's obvious that these boards of directors are of little use to the animals and maybe these boards should be redefined to better serve the animals. This people need to take care of these animals some and not just sit. It appears they need some hands on to really get a feel for what goes on, then maybe some of these sanctuaries won't have to let animals suffer like this. Thank You.

Posted 31 Jul 2007 9:15 AM by hereandthere

Here is an update for all of you..Nye Country Animal control has cleared Mrs.Allen they said the 9months she run it there was no problems..The time frame they are looking at.was after she left.
So they are now looking at the CURRENT board members.And the CURRENT Pres.Maggie Ward.
And for all of you who think that FLOCK still isnt at fault there is a new post on http://www.flockcats.com/ from Clark Country Animal Control and all the charges they brought against Flock in 2006.This was why they moved out of Las Vegas and to Pahrump.
And if you have been keeping up with the news Flock was removed out of every Petsmart in Las Vegas,And BF has all of there Cats so they have NO cats to adopt out...SO I ask Why Is FLOCK asking for donations?Are they trying to get money for legal fee's?or are they really trying to help clean up they MESS they made?But that brings me to another question Has any member of FLOCK even gone out to help BF?And Why did Flock KICK BF off the property 1 week before Nye County Animal Control take over?Could it be because they didnt want the help only the money?They place that Flock had in Las Vegas sold for over 1.7 mil.where is all that money?(in Someones pocket?)
SO Again I ask WHY does FLOCK need DONATION's?Cut the guy out of the middle and send it straight to BF....Keep up the good work BF

Posted 31 Jul 2007 11:38 AM by cathyscott

Hi, Kittycrazy--
To answer your question about how the skinny white-and-black cat is doing, here's an update in a blog (she has been named Cover Girl). Go to:
http://network.bestfriends.org/Blogs/PostDetail.aspx?g=68d1ed2beabd415dbf0dc137a5ec1224&bp=4855

Posted 31 Jul 2007 12:57 PM by ratmom

mirellat2002,

Just to clarify a couple of your points.

Check out Best Friend's policy. They can't and don't take every animal; they have to pick and choose based on their policies and definitions of how they want to run their no-kill shelter. I don't believe no-kill is defined anywhere as "take in every animal no matter what" and within the shelter community there are a variety of ways that shelters deal with how to carry out their no-kill policy. Realistically not every animal can be saved and everyone in the business knows that. It's the sad truth.

I am not attacking herecrookshanks; I am presenting a different opinion. That's not an attack.

Best of luck with running yourself into the ground thinking that's the best way to run a no-kill shelter. And after you and your colleagues burn out and you have no more funds, who's going to take care of the animals?

Posted 31 Jul 2007 4:24 PM by Trixie52

Best Friends is a privately run sanctuary like rescues group they are under no obligation to take in every animal. The only shelters that must take in every animal are publicly funded shelters such as county/city animal control agencies that must take in animals within their jurisdiction. And I would venture to say that there are probably very few if any public animals shelters that are no kill.

Posted 1 Aug 2007 11:44 AM by mirellat2002

Ratmom....you are just not a nice person. You have to stick it to those of us who are in the trenches. Get a heart and a life. This isn't the place for anymore of your negativity. Give it a rest...P-L-E-A-S-E! And let's focus on the animals.

Posted 1 Aug 2007 4:22 PM by JerseyGrrl

Please keep the updates coming.
Hoping to see more pictures and updates soon in the Blogs also.

AGAIN - thank you to Best Friends and all the voluteers helping these cats. You are in my thoughts each day.

Posted 2 Aug 2007 2:38 AM by DARIEK

WAS JUST WATCHING NEWS 3 HERE IN LAS VEGAS AND SHERI ALLEN FROM FOCK HAS JUST BEEN ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH OVER 100 COUNTS OF ANIMAL CRUELTY.NOW I HOPE THEY FORGET TO GIVE HER FOOD AND WATER IN THERE AND SEE HOW SHE FEELS.

Posted 2 Aug 2007 10:15 AM by bumdeal

Justice will prevail. Sheri is innocent and the biggest animal lover I have ever had the pleasure to meet. It will turn in Sheri's favor cause she is truly innocent of these false charges.

Posted 2 Aug 2007 11:01 AM by DARIEK

ALL YOU THAT KNOW OR THAT ARE FRIENDS WITH SHERI KEEP TELLING YOURSELF THAT SHE IS INNOCENT.MYBE YOU WILL SLEEP BETTER AT NIGHT.

Posted 3 Aug 2007 12:26 AM by Kittycrazy

cathyscott,

Thank you so much for the update on Cover Girl. Her picture has been haunting me and I couldn't imagine that she could survive.

I was saddened to hear that she may have skin cancer and that she does have feline leukemia. Poor little girl. The news that she is gaining weight and has clearer eyes was great though.

I hope we can all continue to hear about her progess.

Posted 3 Aug 2007 12:39 AM by carrie_fosters

I have been looking at the kittens in this campaign's header daily and wondering where I've seen those faces before. Tonight it finally hit me! That's Sedona of Guardian Angel fame way back in April . . . and her sibling, Tuscon! For a quick reminder, see their story here.

Hey, if you guys decide to put up one of the Nye County cats (who definitely weren't presentable when this campaign site was set up), I nominate Cover Girl . . . before AND after shots!

Posted 3 Aug 2007 2:21 AM by DARIEK

well BUMDEAL what was that you said about sheri being innocent.when police went to her home to arrest her thay found 125 cats in the same condition as at flock. some much for a animal lover.more like a animal killer.

Posted 3 Aug 2007 2:08 PM by JerseyGrrl

All of us here are passionate about animals.
But we're not judge/jury/executioner. We're just NOT.

Can we support the rescue efforts each in our own way, hope that Ms. Allen gets the help she needs, and stop crucifying her here ?

That is in the hands of law enforcement now, thank goodness.

There is plenty of work to be done to help these animals and try to prevent things like this from happening. We can turn our energy and even our anger to those constructive efforts.

Posted 4 Aug 2007 12:30 AM by ksroach

This is clearly a difficult case--one that I hesitate to judge until more information is verified. I hope that all well-meaning people involved can work together to help every cat at FLOCK get the care it needs and the love it deserves asap. Without making a final judgment, I suspect that this sanctuary was founded with good intentions, but grew beyond a healthy size for the species it was designed to help. Cats simply are not meant to live in colonies of 400.

This said, I must share a point of contrast: This place was a shelter and the people involved with it, although they may have been in over their heads, were not doing this to get rich. Meanwhile, every day, thousands upon thousands of dogs are born into puppy mills across this country where people MAKE MONEY from harboring suffering animals in overcrowded, unsanitary "facilities." Let's work toward getting better regulation of the "pet" industry and put an end to the day of the "puppy mill," and while we're at it, we should help well-meaning rescue groups to keep their programs under control.

Remember, friends: IT'S ALL ABOUT THE ANIMALS.

Posted 4 Aug 2007 3:00 AM by msroma

This absolutely sickens me!! I had to leave my cat with FLOCK back in December of 2006, due to a tragedy of losing my loved one. I trusted them with my cat and hoped they would find her a home as i could not take care of her because of the demands of my job. I thought all was well until i saw the FLOCK website...I, at this point, don't know who to believe...and it pains me to think i left my precious baby to some horrifiying people that i thought would at least give her a chance. I might as well have given her up to any old shelter...as from the looks of things, she may already have met her fate.....
I don't know who to believe....as i have read Ms. Allen's testimonials...but i do find it quite hard to fathom that she would have "loaned' her back bedrroom to someone who left the place a mess...with feces...please...i think we all would have realized that before the nasty tenant had left, or at least suspected it....

In closing, my littlle baby lost her true love because of death....and if all those allegations are true against Ms. Allen, then may she be haunted by my baby's true owner...forever...and she will be!!!!!!!!!

Posted 5 Aug 2007 12:38 PM by realdeal

I just talk to Nye County Animal Control...They have agreed to allow Mrs. Allen at her expense to bring in an independent Vet.to care for the cats that were taken from her property...Mrs.Allen is paying Nye County $7.50 per animal. As most of you have seen from the NEWS reports with the video taping of the cats,farrets,lizards all where healthy when they left Mrs. Allens property and she wishes to keep them that way.

Posted 5 Aug 2007 1:19 PM by ouch

Sheri Allen is paying for the care of her 117 cats & 15 misc pets.To Nye County. At A Cost of $ 7.50 per animal a day.That comes to a total of $975.00 per day.Totallying $13,650.00 for the two week Impoundment.Now since Sheri is paying these fee's as required to Nye County . Why is Nye County Allowing volunteers from Best Friends to help care for the cats.Who's pocketing the $13,650.00 ? Is Best Friends getting a cut of the money? Just Wondering...Ouch

Posted 5 Aug 2007 4:34 PM by ratmom

Ouch,

What's your source of information on this payment plan?

Posted 5 Aug 2007 6:35 PM by realdeal

ratmom,
Those figures came straight off the Impound Notice given to Mrs.Allen by Nye County Animal Control.
Now to indigodreamer,it is quite clear you dont know anything.There was nothing on her property not being taken care of.ALL the animals are well fed and taken care of.I have been to Mrs.Allens on a daily basis and have never(I repeat NEVER) found any animal being mistreated,there is always food and water out at all times and lots of LOVE.Yes the cleaning can not be done it 10 min.it is an all day process.All animals are checked daily if one starts to even look sick it is taken to an area to be medicated and watched over until it is better or need to go to a vet. for further help.
Again Mrs.Allen left FLOCK on her own free will on may 30,2007.She had nothing to do with FLOCK after that!And it would appear you know nothing about how maggots work.If the cat was like that when she was there it would been DEAD by the time BF took over.Ask any Vet.

Posted 5 Aug 2007 11:29 PM by Nevada10

Well realdeal you are not correct. All those 125+ animals that were taken from Ms. Allen's home are not well. My husband was volunteering on that day and was at the shelter putting up cages for them and bringing food from BF and other things for the cats and they were NOT in good shape as he witnessed it himself. I have been out and volunteered and have seen extremely ill cats and that occurred while in Ms. Allen's care. They were so pitifully thin and sick with so many infections. Well it wasn't BF that did that to them, then so who was it? It was Ms. Ms. Allen and her FLOCK congregation. ALL OF FLOCK needs to be prosecuted. I have seen first-hand FLOCK's neglect and it is quite evident and very sad, In your defense of Ms. Allen , did you see a note from a driver of hers said that when she was in Sloan every 3-4 weeks he was picking up 40-50 dead cats, How do you explain that? 40-50 dead cats every 3-4 weeks. I saw the note, so I guess you just passed by it, Pretty sickening isn't it. And the nonsense that she had every cat microchipped, is just that utter nonsense and many cats were microchipped from their owners and she never even bothered to try to contact them, She never microchipped any cat. So get real. And you think $7.50 a day is going to take care of 125 cats. What world do you live in?

Posted 6 Aug 2007 9:18 AM by realdeal

AGAIN...READ this! Mrs.Allen LEFT FLOCK may 30,2007. She has never been at Sloan and was not even part of FLOCK until they moved out here to Pahrump.
Do any of you know how long it takes to starve an animal?Or do any of you know what happens when you feed nothing but WET canned food to a cat?If these conditions took place while Mrs.Allen was Pres. of Flock there would not have been 400 cats there wouldn't even be 100 cats.
BUT DONT TAKE MY WORD ON THIS GO ASK YOUR VET.
Why do you thing BF was able to have such a turn around in a week to a week and a half.
Mrs.Allen Left MAY 30,2007. WHY dont you ask the CURRENT Pres.of FLOCK why they were only feeding wet food to the cat's,and who was doing the feeding of the cat's.
And you might try asking them where the 1.7 mil from the sell of the Sloan property (which was donated to FLOCK) went to. And why dont you ask them why the owners of the property always would come into the property and let ALL the cats that were in the HOSPITAL Hut out.You might should ask WHY did they move from a bigger piece of property and out to here?Could be because they had the same problem out at Sloan?The paperwork for that can be found as public record in Clark County.

Posted 6 Aug 2007 11:01 AM by vanessa

Speaking from experience, there is NO WAY that shelter was being cleaned EVERY DAY, with the few volunteers they had. NO WAY! I don't care what you think you know, it is physically impossible to take care of that many cats without the number of volunteers that BF currently has there. New intakes should have been seperated and quarantined for at least 10 days. If you're really fast, you can maybe clean 12 cages an hour, if they are shorelines. Crates take longer. I'm sorry, but without an army of volunteers, every day, those cats were not being cared for properly.

I work at a cage-free shelter with half that many cats and it takes a minimum of 5 volunteers at least 12-14 hours a day to take care of all the animals, depending on how many we have in cages. With many of their cats being feral, this would have only made it more time consuming. Anyone who tries to argue that the cats were being cared for properly has obviously never tried to do the job with only a few volunteers. And this doesn't even include the daily vetting, medicating sick cats, testing new intakes, completing medical records, screening adoption applicants, and everything else you have to do to successfully run a rescue. IT IS JUST NOT HUMANLY POSSIBLE with the few people they had! End of story.

Posted 6 Aug 2007 2:59 PM by ratmom

This is the inevitable thread of conversations from the supporters of the hoarders. Their [friend, colleague, shelter manager] did nothing wrong, the animals were all fine, it must have been someone/something else.

And those Animal Control people, making up those horrible stories about a woman with 125 cats in her possession. They must be wrong about that, too.

Do you really think anyone believes you?

Posted 8 Aug 2007 1:57 AM by SouthAfricanFriend

Exactly Ratmom! Reading through Realdeal's posts I'm actually convinced that it is Mrs Allen trying to defend her own despicable actions or at the very least somebody close to her. Mrs Allen was arrested after she left Flock with 125 cats in dire need and still the propaganda gets spread from her or her cronies that she is innocent. Realdeal - GET REAL. This is not about winning an argument, this is about defending the rights of animals that depend on us for care and love. You and that vile woman abused both of these sacred rules, she by deed and you by accepting and defending her. Jeez!

Posted 8 Aug 2007 7:00 PM by realdeal

Both sides of the story will not come out til later.. There are video clips of the cats as they were leaving and the vet said they were all healthy. Animal control can only do so much and the way they handled the cats leaves a lot to be desired.

Posted 9 Aug 2007 12:05 AM by Nevada10

The only concern realdeal should be the well being of these cats. As stated below this is about defending the rights of animals through us as they are not able to defend themselves. You keep saying they were all OK but have you been out to the sanctuary when BF took over, if so, then you are blind as to what was seen there. How many times have you been out there volunteering to help BF and see forself what these cats looked like. My husband and I have, and initially it was bad. Without BF the only thing these cats had to look forward to was their certain death. The fact that some of these cats had to be put to sleep because of their condition is a shame, shame on the FLOCK organization, the whole organization for doing this. BF are the heros for taking on this monumental task. What great love they have for animals, and I will support them always with my volunteering and donations, etc. You too should try volunteering to help these cats out and stop your baloney and as they say put up or shut up.

Posted 9 Aug 2007 10:40 AM by realdeal

Everyone is concerned about these kitties. I was referring to the cats taken from Ms. Allen's home. They have all been vet checked and are healthy. Ms. Allen was not responsible for FLOCK. The things that happened out there were recent events not from back earlier this year. They were neglected and not fed. She was not there then.

Posted 9 Aug 2007 5:08 PM by AddieTM

Hey, realdeal, you must be Sherri Allen or someone related to her. Let me describe the situation at Allen's home. Every surface was covered in feces. It was filthy. She had 125 cats. Once cat was missing 1/2 its face. You could see the open wounds. It did not appear to have received vet treatment. Other cats had wounds, skin conditions, missing eyes. Many cats were so skinny, you could put one finger around their necks. Cats couldn't breathe because their noses were so stuffed with mucus.

They were in no sense healthy. The situation was so horrible, the Nye County sheriff immediately charged Allen with 125 counts of animal cruelty.

This is why animals suffer so. People refuse to do anything about cruelty. They protect hoarders like Allen and her cohorts at FLOCK.

Posted 9 Aug 2007 5:23 PM by georgiedoglover

I agree completely, AddieTM. The situation at FLOCK started with Sherri Allen and continued under Maggie Ward for months until the Nye County sheriff and animal control stepped in and stopped their hoarding, cruel treatment of these cats. After Sherri Allen left, the cats were still starving, suffering in the weather and from lack of water, receiving no vet care let alone affection. The photos, and evaluations and stories from people on the scene prove this.

The same Board was in place the entire time. At best, they simply didn't care. At worst, they intentionally allowed these cats to suffer terribly. Regardless, they hoarded cats. FLOCK is an institutional hoarder. Sherri Allen is an individual hoarder. The others at FLOCK are at least responsible for the cruelty and suffering and none, none of them, should be allowed to have animals again.

Posted 9 Aug 2007 5:36 PM by staceygirl

Agreed, AddieTM and Georgiedoglover. Hoarding is a serious problem and we can't pretend it's not happening. We have to stand up against cruelty, protect the animals and not allow hoarders to continue by pretending they are a sanctuary.

Posted 9 Aug 2007 5:36 PM by bogiedew

There is no way 125 cats living in one home could all be healthy. You would have to spend 24/7 keeping your home clean. If you think anyone believes that, you are nuts. I have seen cats that came out of a hoarding case and there were 30 of them..they were all in need of medical care..so I can only imagine what kind of shape 125 of them were in! You are not convincing anyone, realdeal.

Posted 9 Aug 2007 10:36 PM by Nevada10

My husband was there at BF when the cats were taken from Ms. Allen's home and he was one of the volunteer who went over the Nye County shelter with food, cages, etc. for the cats as BF was called upon again and he saw the deporable condition, so realdeal get real as I said before why have you not been volunteering to help at the sanctuary? Is it because you do not want to face reality of what you would have seen. These cats are in better shape now than when BF first came aboard, only because of BF and the volunteers, not because of Ms. Allen or other other FLOCK members who need to be prosecuted too, as this was not a one person organization,

Posted 10 Aug 2007 1:18 PM by theorangeman

I'm looking for input from those who've been volunteering at Pahrump, like Nevada10's husband. We're collecting donations at our office for the kitties - would the rescue workers prefer a gift card or a big box of cat food and supplies from the wish list? If volunteers and helping hands are at a premium, then having to go redeem a gift card at the store might be a hassle. Just wondering; any suggestions are appreciated!

Posted 11 Aug 2007 11:36 AM by jmerlich

I am heading out to Pahrump in a week or so to spend some time volunteering. I will be camping, and I'm wondering if anyone who has been to the site would mind emailing me with information that might help me plan appropriately. I know it is very hot, and there's lots of hard work to do, but I need to know more of the logistics-type info, like any special type of camping gear I should bring, what is the terrain like, where to pitch a tent, etc.
I've been in contact with the volunteer coordinator there, but I hate to bother her anymore with these little questions, since those onsite surely have their hands full. If you don't mind me "picking your brain" a bit, please email me direct...thanks in advance!

Posted 12 Aug 2007 5:05 PM by champie

jmerlich
you can give me a call 408.802.1629, i should be able to provide w/info you need. i just got back from 10 days there.
cheryl

Posted 12 Aug 2007 5:11 PM by champie

theorangeman-
they need 13g boxes of bags for all of the sheds in the inner area, they use them when they clean litter boxes out etc.., there are approx 15 sheds. a few x-tra 32g garbage cans (plastic) for the inner and outside areas. walmart cards are always great.

Posted 13 Aug 2007 1:25 AM by fifivandemeer

Best Friends has all of my support from this moment forward. What a lovely group of people, you walk the walk and talk the talk. I visited this past week at the Shelter for Nye and at the site where all of the cats are kept at the rescue site. I can personally vouch for the level of care these cats are receiving. I have never seen anything like it! Please, if you have any questions on care, you must go down and see this lovely group of people in action and lend a hand. No one should comment on condition unless they have visited first hand.
That goes for Best Friends too, it is heaven on earth! God Bless you all, you are making a difference.

Posted 13 Aug 2007 12:17 PM by Nevada10

To the Orangeman and all others- If you are taking up a collection I found out this weekend that they really need prepaid chargecars like a prepaid visa or prepaid M/C. This way they can get the items they are specifically looking for at the different stores. I have seen these prepaid cards at all supermarkets for instance, and I think drug stores.

Posted 14 Aug 2007 12:00 AM by ruthm

Have you seen this website for FLOCK?
http://www.flocknevada.org/index.html
They claim to have been at the sanctuary all of June & July cleaning it up. They also claim to be working with best friends....wonder if best friends knows about this? Looks like they are still asking for donations as well.

Posted 14 Aug 2007 1:08 AM by kycady

Igave a donation - also been in touch with the new director- sounds very positive - but not there - let us know

Posted 14 Aug 2007 2:27 AM by ruthm

I hope you gave a donation to the group which is out there doing all the work which is best friends and not to flock. I don't know why flock is asking for donations. In the FAQ it says that flock signed over the cats to nye county so they don't need the money for the cats.

Posted 14 Aug 2007 4:07 AM by lizzire

I'm still confused. To me, it looks like Sheri Allen left FLOCK at the end of may, and Animal Control also took over at the end of May. Is this correct?

Posted 14 Aug 2007 10:51 AM by LVRottie

Do not believe everything you read. There are people from the Board of Directors of FLOCK that go out to the cat rescue location but it is generally not to help out or volunteer - it is to photograph the conditions, workers, and volunteers and to raise cain.

I was there once when they showed up and they actually made such a scene that some potential adopters and volunteers left. They kept asking where the 400 cats were. Why weren't all the cats in the 14 houses? Why were the houses not full of cats? Why did one house only have 1 cat (it had 2 - they were Felv)? Never mind that two houses are Hospitals, two are Felv, and one is FIV (there were noticable signs posted on these houses). Or that they all now have enclosed outdoor runs. One house also was set aside for intake and had feral cats in cages in it. The people from FLOCK did not understand why that was necessary. They wanted to know where the paperwork they had done on the cats was (I don't believe that BF ever found any).

It was truly unbelievable for me - if I hadn't seen it for myself I would not have believed it.

I am sorry, but with the uncooperative and confrontational display that I witnessed, I am not able to support FLOCK.

Posted 14 Aug 2007 11:26 AM by Nevada10

FLOCK claims to be there to help, but that is an absolute lie. They came there and all they were concerned with is why were the bushes trimmed. Not a caring thought about the cats, not a caring thought of the great job that BF is doing. As a matter of fact they had to be escorted off the property. They claim to be working with BF but that is nonsense. They are the root of all evil, and it is the fault of the entire organization and they should all be prosecuted. Truly they are animal haters, and I wish I was there that day when Ms. Ward came over so I could have told her off. She woud not have scared me off. They are trying to say it was their idea to have BF there. This wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for their negligence. In my opinion they are true animal haters and I hope their payback is hell. And why aren't they out there helping to fix the mess they created. BECAUSE THEY DO NOT CARE.

Posted 14 Aug 2007 12:48 PM by ratmom

DO NOT DONATE to FLOCK. Give your donations to Best Friends; they're the ones doing the work (and all the BF volunteers).

FLOCK is maintaining its website with inaccurate information, which is, as far as I'm concerned, unethical.

Posted 14 Aug 2007 3:02 PM by LVRottie

Nevada 10 is right. I forgot about that. They wanted to know why BF didn't water the trees and let half of them die. BF has been watering every living plant on-site to provide cool shelter for the cats. The trees were dead long before BF got on scene - the branches snap right off when you bend them.

Maggie Ward did claim that she is the one who asked BF to come and help and that it is only by her permission and good graces that BF is there. She claimed that they were helping BF take care of the cats - but anyone who has been there or has been following this story knows better.

Yes, I wanted to yell at and argue with Maggie Ward, but I did not want to disgrace BF. Why should I stoop to Ms. Ward's level - why should any of us? After all, isn't this really all about the cats?

It is too bad that everyone involved cannot or will not concentrate on the health, happiness, and well-being of the cats.

Something went very wrong at some point while the FLOCK facility was under the direction of the FLOCK Board of Directors. Unfortunately, the people responsible are not standing up and admitting that they did wrong. Perhaps they don't believe that they did anything wrong. That is truely the scariest thought - if animal cruelty is not wrong then what is?

Posted 14 Aug 2007 4:06 PM by kittychump

FLOCK is the very same as Virginia Kresge Justiniano's "Cats With No Name" cat 'haven' [hell!] in Pine Grove, PA. But, now that our legal case against VKJ/CWNN has been "kicked upstairs" to the PA State investigator who's an expert on fraudulant organizations posing as "charities" [as VKJ/CWNN has been doing all along!], we have people coming forward to provide excellent information and support our case! Virginia has illegally held onto all of her former vet's surgical and vet equipment - for what? TO TREAT ANIMALS WITHOUT A VETERINARY IT SEEMS - we have credible evidence that she has been doing just that, in secret, on her CWNN site at 33 Walmer Lane, Pine Grove, PA!!! The main concerns now? (1) Revenge by VKJ/CWNN - taken out on the animals! So rescue is what we're pushing for as hard as we can with higher level help, due to local-area enabling and collusion with VKJ/CWNN; also a huge concern as to VKJ and her chronies is her possibly (2) fleeing the scene, as VKJ did several years ago in an adjacent county - only to pop up like a poisonous mushroom after the rain, in Schuylkill County as "Cats With No Name" and start torturing cats for profit!!! Just like the FLOCK boss arrested for hoarding and horrible conditions for the cats in her "care," Virginia Kresge Justiniano is hoarding our kitty Joshua - and other people's pets - and is providing "care" without any veterinary oversight since her former vet quit in disgust and horror on July 8th. I know that FLOCK's "board" and other animal-torturers and torture-enablers will GET THEIR PUNISHMENT - because now they're exposed and BF is on the scene and the volunteers and the public can see for themselves what has happened! If any reader in the PA/NJ area wishes to help us, especially if they have personal knowledge of the scam and horror that is Virginia Kresge's "charitable business" Cats With No Name - please contact us directly:
Alice WB at my e-mail address: lupinsgalore@gmail.com If you have actual information, evidence, verifications and proof of VKJ/CWNN's extreme criminal fraud and related criminal activities, we can put you directly into contact with the PA fraud investigator who wants to hear from you!!! Join the fight "For Joshua and all the other Kitties!" And, to one and all - please give the animals and ourselves your prayers!! BF & volunteers - we love you & you're all in our prayers, always. "Onwards & Upwards!!"

Posted 15 Aug 2007 8:28 AM by czimmer671

Wow! I have been to the FLOCK site a few times on weekends and have never seen, or heard of FLOCK being involved in anyway. It is baffling to me that they are claiming to still have any involvement in the daily management of the site. It saddens me to no end to also read that they have actually been criticizing Best Friends on the times they have been on site. I can testify that I watered the trees, I also provided clean drinking water for the cats. FLOCK did you? Trees? Are you kidding me? You all have much bigger issues to worry about than the trees.

As for the Board of Directors, I do not agree that ignorance is a valid defense. Ms. Ward has stated they had no idea how bad the conditions were. Ms. Ward, as president, and all members of the board had an obligation to know. Organizational structures are set up with Boards for oversight, to protect the mission of the charity and all who are in their care, checks and balances. Ms. Allen aside, as she is clearly responsible, the Board must be accountable also.

Officers of FLOCK, take responsibility for this situation. How? By making a positive contribution to this rescue. Every member of that Board should be out there every day, cleaning litter boxes, cleaning the enclosures, doing laundry, etc with a positive and contrite attitude. If you are truly "committed to bettering the lives of cats" , then now is the time to prove it. Sentence yourself to thousands of hours of service, it would be a start.

Posted 15 Aug 2007 3:47 PM by lizzire

It seems to me that if anyone from the FLOCK organization wanted to make themselves look good, they should just be doing work to help the cats--cleaning litter boxes and doing laundry as czimmer said. What a bizarre thing to show up at the property and try and find something WRONG with the work that Best Friends is doing. It makes them look really ungrateful.

If any FLOCK members read this forum: can't you understand that Best Friends is there to help the cats and nothing else? They are not interested in credit or power. You guys screwed up BIG time. If you want to show that you sincerely care about the cats, then ask what Best Friends needs from you most--and go DO it, WITHOUT expecting volumes of thanks. It makes me sad that you are close enough to the cats that you could be helping them every day. I live far away and just can't get there to volunteer. I would like to be there seeing the cats get better. Please try to take a look at yourself and admit that you've made major mistakes here.

Posted 17 Aug 2007 9:32 PM by catgoddess

I am going to start by saying that I AM NOT A FLOCK volunteer. I have never been involved in FLOCK. I work with another humane rescue organization in Las Vegas, NV. I have never been to the Parhump site. I have never met Sheri Allen. I have met some FLOCK volunteers at the monthly spay-a-thons and have to admit their attitude was not to my liking. Their volunteers made me NOT want to be involved with them. HOWEVER, I do have a ton of problems with this GREAT KITTY rescue being performed by BF. And so do many other Las Vegas/Henderson/NLV humane groups/volunteers.

First of all, they adopted out 41 of 50 cats to people FOR FREE at the Pahrump Nugget! FOR FREE! Are you kidding me? Anyone who wants a cat gets a cat???? Good pet owners, bad pet owners? No adoption or rehoming fee? No screening? That is NOT the right way to go about adopting out or rehoming cats. Those adoptees are making no investment in the new pet. AND BF does not know those cats are truly adoptable because they did not put all of them in a home environment first to test their adoptability. What if they are sprayers or pee outside the litter box? Are they going to take them back if the person calls and says it is not working out? Or are they going to send them to Nye County Animal shelter? We take back all of our dogs and cats if the adoptees says it is not working out. It could be a week, a year or 10 years. And we ask a series of questions, screen the applicant and ask for an adoption fee at the time of adoption. Standard practice for humane groups.

Secondly, a vast majority of the cats at the Pahrump site are FERAL!!!! Not adoptable! What are they going to do with all of those cats? Where are all those cats going to be placed? You can not adopt them out. That site was set up as a FERAL cat sanctuary. Obviously, there were some tame cats out there (because of very bad management), but most of them are not tame. That is why you do not see 400 (now 600 according the recent "adoption" email) cats in the pictures. The ferals are hiding!

In my opinion, BF caused a lot of this problem. Why did they not just help FLOCK get the facility into working condition? Get the adoptable ones out, get medical attention for the sick, and help them operate a good cat santuary? Why did they come in and say that they need $500,000 to rescue the cats? $500,000? I hear there are volunteer vets, volunteers, and free food being delivered. What do they need $500,000 for? I am sure they need donations for medical supplies and operating costs, but $500,000? FLOCK owns that land. BF could have helped them with fundraising tips, expertise and all kinds of other assistance instead of the way they are handling this situation. They are not going to spend $500,000 on this situation! I see fundraising cash cow dollar signs floating around their heads. Too bad we can not audit them on this great kitty rescue!

The other humane groups are watching very closely to see what happens to those ferals. They need to have a sound plan for them. All the urban and rural ferals in the cities of Las Vegas, NLV, Henderson, Pahrump, Laughlin, Mesquite, Sloan and Logandale LIVE in this heat everyday. They are acclimated to the heat. Yes, they need shade, food and clean water. BUT there are formed colonies out there at the Pahrump site and now BF is going to uproot them? Ship them all over the country to other feral santuaries? Take them all to Utah with them? What is going to happen to the ferals? What other organizations in this country wants them? Who else can handle them?

WHY DIDN'T BF JUST HELP THE SANTUARY SO THE CATS COULD BE TAKEN CARE OF THERE? So they could stay together?

Lastly, the cat with half its face missing that was mentioned in an earlier post by a volunteer's wife. The one from Sheri Allen's house. My vet took care of that cat. My vet told me that he recommended Sheri Allen put it to sleep, but she refused. It had CANCER! Half of its face was removed to stop the cancer! I do not know Sheri Allen but she sounds like she cares a lot about cats. She paid for an expensive cancer surgery to save a cat with cancer of the face! I hope she fights to keep the cats from her house or at least to be in charge of rehoming all of them. I hope she does not trust BF to care for her cats. They are giving them away for FREE to whoever gets a wild hair up their butt, while drinking and gambling at a casino, and decides they want a cat!

If the cats were in as bad a shape as they want you to believe (to get $500,000) then I am glad they are there helping, BUT a better way to help would have been to get the facility running properly - BY HELPING FLOCK manage a better facility.

To BF - We are watching....what is the plan for the ferals?

To FLOCK volunteers/BOD - why didn't you ask the other local humane groups for help before calling BF? I do not think LVVHS, HCW or SOS would have denied you help! All those ferals are at risk now.

Posted 17 Aug 2007 10:36 PM by LVRottie

Catgoddess ---

I wish that you would have all of your facts before attacking BF. I have been a volunteer at the Nye County Cat Rescue. I hope that you will take the time to read what follows:

Nye County asked BF to come and take care of the cats at the FLOCK sanctuary - not FLOCK - not Sherri Allen. I don't know anything about $500,000 so I do not feel it fair that I comment further on it one way or another.

Yes, it was originally thought that a majority of the cats were feral. However, they are not. The vast majority - more than I would have thought - are actually people loving, purring cats that have obviously had loving homes in the past. Many of them just had to learn that not all people were bad - that their needs would be met, they would be taken care of and loved. The transformation so many of these cats have made is absolutely amazing.

Now, regarding adoptions. BF does screen adoptive homes and the homes are also checked before the cat is placed. If there appear to be potential problems then the cat is not placed in that home. If problems arise after the cat has been placed, BF will take the cat back. BF has no desire to take the cats back just to turn around and give them to Animal Control. That is not what BF is all about.

I hope that your group and other groups are watching. As a former animal control officer myself, I feel that we all could learn a few things from BF. How about you, your friends, and other animal rights organizations come on out on a regular basis to the site of the rescue and help out - VOLUNTEER. Goodness knows, the cats will appreciate all of the attention.

Let us not - not any one of us - forget that this is all about the cats!!! This is not about us or placing blame - working at the rescue site is all about and for the love of cats and kittens!!! We really need to concentrate on that - and if we can educate the public in the process that's even better.

Posted 17 Aug 2007 10:56 PM by Nevada10

/well catgoddess you don't know what you are talking about. First at the adoption the cats will not just given to anybody. They had to fill out extensive forms and be interviewed, and not everyone passed the interview and not everyone got to adopt a cat. Home checks are being made, and several home checks were personally done by my husband on Saturday, Delivered to their home after the adoption interview with an extensive check list. So not everyone got to adopt a cat. And if you are not happy or there is a problem, BF will willing and has already done so take the cat back. You need to shut your mouth about what you do not kinow anything about.

Secondly my husband and I have been out on nunmerous occasions, and if it wasn't for BF taking over all these cats would be dead by now, What they are doing is amazing. Getting them all medical care, medicine, microchipping, vacinations, surgery if necessary. And the majority of these cats are not feral, they were probably at one time someones pet who was rounded up by who knows who and brought to FLOCK. There are feral cats also, but the majority are not, I go into the huts all the time and play with these cats as they are starving for affection. Outside they want attention too, Yes some of them are shy but it is gettng better. The feral cats are kept separate from te other cats. No cat will ever be sent to the Nye County shelter. As a matter of fact they are caring for the 120 plus cats that were taken from Ms. Allen's home when she was adopted. They go ou there every day and clean cages, and check the cats and feed them. So obviously you and your group or groups do not know what they are talking about. I have first hand knowledge of what is going on and home checks are being made. And a vast amount of the cats are NOT FERAL. I have seen it for myself. They are not trying to adopt out feral cats to homes, they are asking for feral cat colonies to adopt some of the feral cats if possible, if not then they will take every cat back to Utah with them. No cat will be behind. The site was never set up for a feral colony. They just took all cats in. The feral cats are being fed and now they have been moved to closer quarters so they too can come out of the heat. They have built enclosures for them and put up many portable houses so they are not out in the heat. I have personally been out feeding them at night,

BF did not cause this problem, FLOCK did. The cats were dying when Nye County called them. FLOCK did not care and still does not care about these cats. FLOCK is not interested in doing anything good for these cats as they were killing them off starving them and the like. Obviously you do not know anything about running a sanctuary, because the massive amount of money that is needed to get these cats well and feed them and everything else that needs to be done is massive. FLOCK does not own that land they rent it from NYE County. FLOCK was not interested in the well being of these cats, and it is a good thing that BF is there otherwise there would have been 400 plus dead cats. We have seen how FLOCK did not care for these cats, and it makes me sick. I praise BF every day that they are there, and that we can help them with our volunteering. The property was filthy and fly ridden and full of poop and urine. Every time we go out there the progress they made is amazing. This is a 24-hour a day job and they do it all for the cats. From sun up to the late hours of the night, as I have been there until the late hours of the night helping. The amount of money needed for this massive operation is high. Many of the feral cats have developed cancer from being sunburned. Did you know that? There was no shelter for them, no water, no food. Pitifully skinny, bones showing through. I have witnessed this. Now with BF caring for them, they are getting better.

Sheri Allen is a horder which is a serious illness, but is the fault of the whole organization for not caring about these cats, not checking on what was going on or not going on out there. They all should be prosecuted. Personally I think they should all be rounded up and put out on the desert with no food or water to get cancer themselves. And you are full of it when you say these cats out here are used to the heat. FLOCK DOES NOT WANT THE FACILITY RUNNING PROPERLY OR IT WOULD HAVE BEEN. THEY HAVE NOT ONCE OFFERED TO HELP OUT TO GO OUT THERE AND HELP ONLY CRITICIZE.

As you really do not know what you are talking about I suggest you keep your mouth shut. BF has only these cat's welfare that they are thinking out. And I just took home a cat today and he is just a sweetie, as most of these cats are. Rounded up from the street, from nearby people's homes. And people have been coming there finding their lost cats who were microchipped, but FLOCK never once thought to check these cats out and see if they had owners or contact them. FLOCK makes me sick like your comments about BF does. Maybe you should go out there and volunteer and see what is happening. Otherwise do not speak about what you know nothing about. I don't see any of your "organizations" going out there and helping. I along with many others will continue to support BF forever.

Posted 17 Aug 2007 11:06 PM by JerseyGrrl

I'm glad to see others have responded to the post from catgoddess. I think we were all trying to post at the same time. I am posting my reply even though you guys did a good job of responding. I just feel so strongly about this that I want to reply also.

Dear catgoddess,

I am glad that you are watching and I applaud your concern for all the cats including ferals.

From your post and it's ranting tone, I think maybe you are not familiar with Best Friends, or don't have first hand knowledge of how they operate.

Have you read about the recent assistance Best Friends has provided at Pets Alive?

Regarding no adoption fees..
Don't you think this "situation" required something other than standard operating procedure? I do.

Why do you think there was NO screening?
I read here about home checks and adoption applications and some adoptions refused.
Best Friends has always committed to the animals they adopt out. I bet if anyone has a problem with their new family member they can reach out to Best Friends for help. Best Friends has taken animals BACK from adopters in the past, just like your group, after long and short periods of time.

Some? tame cats? 50 is some? and there are more than that. To me that sounds like a heck of a lot of tame cats. Was ANYONE assessing these cats and trying to get them adopted before Best Friends got there??

I really don't understand how you can possibly say "in your opinion Best Friends caused a lot of this problem." That doesn't make any sense. You ask why they didn't just help flock... well flock didn't ask did they?
I thought it was the local Animal Control who called Best Friends in at the last hour.

A better question is - Why did flock let the situation get so bad and let those cats suffer?
By letting that happen flock has proved they are not able to appropriately manage that place for the good of the cats.
Geez, someone had to something!
flock owns that land, so what?

Best Friends has been dealing with feral cats for years and is well aware of their needs. You know what - sometimes we all have to live with less than IDEAL solutions while we continue to do the best we can for the animals.

Everything is not donated and everyone is not a volunteer. I hope they get TONS of donations and volunteers, but Best Friends also has paid staff that they have been sending to this site.

Do you really think Ms. Allen is able to care for over 100 cats? She was charged with animal cruelty based on what the investigator found at her home. And you suggest she retain control and care of those animals?? I can't speak to the cat with cancer... I do know that sometimes it is a kindness to let them go. Why did your Vet recommend that the cat be euthanized?

Have you ever been to Best Friends? I only ask because I find it to be an impressive and well-run organization that does wonderful things.
Not just a story in a magazine, real acts and accomplishments in the real world.

I don't have any inside knowledge of the $500,00.00 that you keep mentioning, but I guess it would be cheaper to have them all put down since no one was taking care of them anyway.

Posted 18 Aug 2007 12:21 AM by BarbaraWilliamson

With deepest respect to everyone -- for the cats' sake -- please expend energy on helping to find volunteers and good homes. Please help keep the stream of donations flowing. Help spread the word that people who may be missing cats out of the greater Vegas area are encouraged to come look at the facility.

Our energies need to be focused on the cats and we need to keep as much positive energy going as possible. These angels are depending on us all.

Posted 18 Aug 2007 7:51 AM by SouthAfricanFriend

Sorry Barbara - I don't mean any disrespect but I seriously need to ask CatGoddess one question.

Watching? That's all you are doing - watching? You see the vast amount of work and things that need to be done for these poor things and all you are doing is watching? You read how hard BF is working to save them and all you are doing is watching?

This sums up to me exactly what the problem is with this whole situation. You watch and Best Friend work and find solutions.

So keep on "watching" - I just hope you are LEARNING at the same time. Because THIS is how its done - not sitting on the sideline critizing - but jumping in paws and all and HELPING to ease the suffering.

As a carer for a feral community of about 40 cats - I am learning a lot from this thread and I am taking this knowledge back to help my little band of whiskered friends.

Thank you Best Friends - you truly are an incredible organization with an amazing agenda.

(You still watching catgoddess?)

Posted 18 Aug 2007 11:23 AM by jennifer

Barbara - thank you for working to get us back on track, and focused on working with and helping these kitties! Mark & I will be back out for our weekend!

Posted 18 Aug 2007 12:02 PM by LVRottie

Thanks Barbara. You are, of course, right. I was out at the rescue yesterday afternoon and there were the fewest number of volunteers that I have seen out of six times that I have been there. I spoke with Sherry and she said that the day after the Pahrump Nugget Adoption only one - yes ONE - volunteer came out. That was on a Sunday!!!! That is terribly sad.

I spent yesterday talking to BF about what I can do from Vegas (I can't get out to Pahrump as often as I would like) to help BF and make a difference. I have my work cut out for me, but I look forward to it because it will be a few less things that the BF staff in Pahrump will have to worry about.

I am trying to think outside of the box. What are YOU trying to do? Be a part of something GREAT - do your part - help - nothing is too small.

Posted 18 Aug 2007 12:20 PM by LVRottie

By the way, while I was out there yesterday I noticed that they could really use the following:

**Electrical extension cords
**Pre-paid Visa cards (Visa gift cards)
*Dinners (this must be scheduled through the staff at the Pahrump site)
*AAA batteries
**Polaroid 600 film
Scrubs for care givers
*13-gallon draw string trash bags
**Micro chip scanners
*Gatorade or similar type drinks / Water

** More of an immediate need
* This is a continual need

Every little bit counts!!!! If you don't want to buy anything specific then please send Visa Gift Cards - they can be used online and in person.

Posted 18 Aug 2007 12:38 PM by LVRottie

Did you know that you can donate cash to BF just by searching the internet or by purchasing something on Ebay? Please check out the following sites and register to benefit Best Friends Animal Society.

www.goodsearch.com
www.igive.com

Let's make a difference one search or purchase at a time.

Posted 18 Aug 2007 12:52 PM by sneakerkitty

Dear Catgoddess,

I truly admire your love for animals and the work you do! However, in regard to this situation, many of your statements are completely inaccurate. You owe BF an apology, and I hope you're spiritually mature enough to offer one. It doesn't seem logical or prudent to write such a rant, when you have not been out to the site to acquire first hand knowledge.

Posted 18 Aug 2007 2:20 PM by champie

Barbara-
I am trying to find out any info on Grandpa the brown tabby w/the bottom jaw that sticks out, and has no teeth, is doing. He usually hung out in building 14 when I was there. Did he get adopted? Please let me know.
Cheryl Goldsmith

Posted 18 Aug 2007 4:54 PM by troublemaker

to champie and Barb
Love you guys !!!
so champie going to go back and take Gramps too?!!!
I think we need to go back now, looks like they need us again. Place is falling apart without us!! :o)
Trisha Fravel

Posted 18 Aug 2007 11:41 PM by pinkys

A huge thank you to Best Friends for the terrific job in helping these cats.
I read someone said there was only one volunteer in Pahrump on Sunday, August 12, the day following the adoption at the Nugget but two other volunteers came with me and we volunteered most of that Sunday and there were many other cars on the property besides ours so in all fairness, the community is and has been helping Best Friends by volunteering and donating supplies. Everybody, please keep up the tremendous job!

Julie.

Posted 19 Aug 2007 1:00 AM by PalJjp

Wish I could be back out to help!! Miss you all! There are alot of fantastic volunteers that live in the Pahrump/Las Vegas area. I know.....I had the great pleasure of working with you all - please continue with your caring support. I know you will. The kitties need you!

Thinking of you all the time,
Patti

Posted 19 Aug 2007 1:32 PM by realdeal

Meet Scarlet (calico) and Trooper (orange and white) at http://www.flockcats.com/

Posted 19 Aug 2007 1:58 PM by LVRottie

I posted the comment regarding the one volunteer - it sounds like I was misinformed and I would like to apologize for that. BF staff at the rescue have expressed concern regarding the number of volunteers now versus when the rescue first started - so let's keep going out there and keep encouraging others to spend just one day or one morning during the week out there.

To REALDEAL -- It is obvious that you are Sherri Allen - the person charged with taking care of the animals of FLOCK in the first place and the person from whom 125 cats were taken. While I do not want to rush to judge you as you have not had your day in court, I also DO NOT wish to read your posts of innocence.

I don't know how others feel but I am tired of everyone involved claiming ignorance and innocence. The fact of the matter is you and the Board of Directors of FLOCK were charged with the responsibility of these creatures of GOD and something went terribly wrong. I am tired of you and the board not just accepting responsibility and stepping up!!!!

Sherri Allen -- No one person can care for 125 cats by themselves. The cats seized from your home were not all healthy - the cats suffer an unhappy and unhealthy life because people like you HOARD animals while believing that you are helping them.

I am sure that you and the board wanted only the best for these animals, but you were way in over your heads and didn't ask for help. Remember the saying "pride commeth before the fall." Swallowing pride and asking for help is the hardest thing a person ever has to do in their lives and in this case it wasn't done. Please remember that this rescue is not about you or FLOCK, it is all about the animals.

Please, accept responsibility and make the changes that you need to make. Please also stop posting to try your case in this forum. I am personally tired of it!!!!

Anyone else agree?

Posted 19 Aug 2007 2:03 PM by bogiedew

Realdeal..I am tired of opening up 50 alerts and it all being the same thing. Do you think we are going to open your link 50 times?

Posted 19 Aug 2007 5:57 PM by ratmom

Yes, bogiedew and lvrottie, Sherri needs to get some serious help and to stay away from cats. The fact that she posted the same thing on each Pahrump update indicates that she's got some serious issues.

"Nope, not me, I didn't do anything wrong, musta been someone else..."

Posted 20 Aug 2007 8:27 AM by realdeal

Its easy to sit and judge when no one can see you.
No I am not Mrs. Allen But I do know her.
I dont think any of you even know Mrs.Allen or have ever met her. Because if you had you would know differnt.
And I can post when and where I feel.Its a free country.

Posted 20 Aug 2007 11:41 AM by LVRottie

Yes, you can post when and where you want. If you are not her why did your link go to a story that said you were Sheri Allen?

I have tried not to judge her. I merely asked that you not post regarding her, that Sheri accept responsibility for whatever part she may have in this, and that you and the board of directors come out and help care for the cats rather than judge BF.

A few of us also asked that you not post the same message on each and every article and/or blog as we then get 50 some e-mails notifying us of new postings.

We are trying to be nice. I would ask that you try to be the same.

One last thing, as for sitting and judging -- I have been out to the rescue site many times. How many times have you been there? Did you volunteer? Have you seen the cats go from emaciated, near death ferals to happy, fed, friendly lap cats? I have ! ! ! They didn't get so thin and sick by being taken care of. They got happy, fed, and friendly by being taken care of ! ! !

Now I have wasted enough time talking about Sheri Allen. My time can be better spent talking about the cats, volunteering, and donation needs. HAVE YOU VOLUNTEERED OR DONATED TO BF ON BEHALF OF THE CATS?

IF NOT, PLEASE BE QUIET ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Posted 20 Aug 2007 12:31 PM by Nevada10

Listen up realdeal, whoever you are. Don't you think your time would be better off if you volunteered and/or made donations instead of trying to criticize what BF is doing. Obiously you live in a twilight zone, or you woul face reality of what happed at the sanctaury and what a great job BF is doing, otherwise by now there would be hundreds of dead cats due to FLOCK's neglect. But I guess you are too cowardly to come out there and work, because you know you are wrong.

Posted 20 Aug 2007 9:03 PM by catgoddess

So to address some of you....

First, we are watching (SouthAfricanFriend) because we have cats that we save, foster, feed and adopt out EVERYDAY. I trap ferals for spay and neuter (TNR), foster adoptables, feed ferals and transport for other fosters. I trap for the monthly spay-a-thon (such as the one this weekend). I have a full-time real job and a full-time volunteer job rescuing cats in Las Vegas (sometimes dogs). I can not be involved in BF's Great Kitty Rescue. I do kitty rescue everyday in Las Vegas. (So NEVADA 10 - you need to SHUT UP. Just because you are involved in this does make you understand everything. You do not sound like you have been involved other than for this BF situation. You are a rude, callous person.) I care about the ferals in this valley and I want to know what is going to happen to the ones at the Parump site (and invariabley ones at Sheri Allen's house because there had to be a couple).

Second... the $500,000 came DIRECTLY from BF's web site and emails when this story broke. They may have since removed reference to it (I have not looked), but I did not make it up and that is an outrageous sum. That is $1250 a cat!

Third...no adoption fee equals no investment in the cat. The big Adopt-a-Thon with no adoption fees is a mistake. It is good that they got 41 cats new homes. I hope they are all good homes. I hope that none get returned or dumped. People get caught up in the moment of GREAT KITTY RESCUES and then they get a cat. Six months later....they don't want the cat! The next Super Adopt-a-Thon in October 20th in Las Vegas. I will go over there myself and see if they are screening. They still need an adoption fee. I am 100% happy that these adoptable cats got homes. They NEVER should have been out there in the first place.

JerseyGrrl...I have donated to BF in the past. I have never been to the Kanab santuary. It looks like a very wonderful place and I would like to go someday. I have thought about it but I am overwhelmed with animal adoptions, the animal overpopulation problem in Las Vegas and my life/pets/job/family. BF has obviously figured out how to run a great no-kill santuary. They COULD have taught FLOCK a thing or two about running a santuary. Then the ferals would have had a good place to live. AS I SAID that Pahrump santuary was SUPPOSE to be a feral cat santuary NOT an adoptable cat santuary. HENCE THE POINT OF MY "RANT". The best thing to do it to teach people (the whole "give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach him to fish and he will eat for a lifetime" idea).

To say that FLOCK does not care about cats is STUPID. They just got overwhelmed and needed HELP. They took in too many cats because they cared. Caring and having common sense, a hard work ethic, a good board, fiscal sauve, enough volunteers or whatever went wrong out there is DIFFERENT. You attack FLOCK, but they could have been taught to manage a santuary. They did not get HELP. I am glad the cats got help, but my "rant" is to point out that a better way to do it would have been to rescue the rescuers so they could take care of the rescued cats on a long term basis. I am glad that the cats are being taken care of.

FLOCK DOES own that land (NEVADA10 so SHUT YOUR MOUTH). They sold their land in Sloan and bought that land in Pahrump. Nye County is leasing their land from them at this moment! You have never been a cat rescuer either. You just jumped into help with this situation and you act like you KNOW EVERYTHING which you don't! I am not claiming to know everything - I am questioning the procedure. I want the long term care of the cats to be considered. 50 cats out of 400 is not a vast majority being adoptable. 100 cats out of 400 is not a vast majority. I want those ferals to be taken care of and not euthanized because BF does not know what to do with them (and I am not saying that they will be euthanized or that BF is a bad group - NEVADA10 so SHUT UP yourself)! I am saying that they need to say how they are going to take care of the ferals. What other feral cat santuary in this country is going to step up and say...please give me more ferals because I do not have enough! Every town, city and county has a feral cat problem!

Ferals cause the overpopulation problem. When ferals have kittens under someone's trailer, on their porch, or in their back yard, then the kittens are scooped up at 4 or 5 weeks to be put into foster care and adopted out after they have been fixed/vaccinated (usually 12 weeks old). People are not breeding cats like they do dogs. Cats are being euthanized in greater numbers than dogs at shelters because of ferals having kittens all over the place (and unresponsible pet owners letting their tame unaltered cats run around the neighborhoods). Ferals nee dto be trapped, fixed and release (too bad most animal control agencies feel differently).

LVRottie - no FLOCK asked BF to come help first and then three weeks later Nye County started issueing citations, forced FLOCK to sign a lease agreement and called BF AGAIN. BF is not going to tell the volunteers this. BUT WHO CARES, the point is that a better way to do this would have been to teach the rescuers. And I do not know any FLOCK people, but I would have been critical if they swooped in and took over after I asked for their help. That is the point because FLOCK does own the land and they have been operating a santuary for many years between the Sloan site and the Pahrump site. Whatever happened to cause FLOCK to lose control is sad and I am glad that the cats are being helped by BF. I am just bringing up a very valid point! A better rescue would have been to help the rescuers. BUT BF turned it into a media event for how great they are and how you need to donate to them and look at us - THAT IS WHAT I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH. In the end, the cats are getting the care (yes - by BF), but in the end, a cat santuary could have been helped to continue to help Southern Nevada. When they tear down the next trailer park - where are all those ferals going to go? Euthanized or crushed by the bulldozer like at the trailer park off Boulder Highway. So forgive me for caring that the feral cat santuary did not get help from BF and Nye County INSTEAD of taken OVER. FLOCK should have only been running a feral cat santuary and they should have had assistance. AND they should have asked the local groups for help - not the santuary in Utah.

And lvrottie - ferals do not become lap cats - EVER! Sorry, but I have tried to tame down feral kittens (8 weeks and younger) and been unsuccessful (sometimes successful), but a true feral never becomes a lap or house cat. The fact that you wrote that in one of your posts tells me that you have no idea what you are talking about and are not a cat rescuer - just a volunteer for BF. I have years of experience in ferals and you can not tame them down and into pets - kittens sometimes, adults NEVER. That tells me that you could not look at cats out at Pahrump site and tell who is skinny from starvation and who is skinny from FELV, FIP, hyperthyroid, or kidney disease. Or stomachitis which is what the cats with feces running down their legs had (which were conveniently left in poor condition so pictures could be taken).

JerseyGrrl - your comments are broad (and you are not here) but the one I wanted to address is that no Sheri Allen should not have had 100 cats. That is too many for any one person to take care of. That is out of control, but to say she did not care without meeting her does not seem to me to be proper. To say she is intentionally cruel is callous. Maybe she cared too much and got overwhelmed trying to save them all. She did take them to the vet though because I have the same vet! And if you had come to my house two weeks ago, you would have seen my twelve year old cat who was passing away in front of my eyes despite hospitalization, extensive medication and syringe feeding. I took her in order to get her peacefully put down and COULDN'T DO IT! I decided to spend more money and try to nurse her back to health. She passed away that night! I cared too much and was blinded by the fact that I wanted her to get better but she couldn't. I should have put her to sleep that day; it would have been better (please forgive me my little girl). Sheri Allen cared too much and tried to do too much. She should be in charge of who adopts out the cats at her house and where they go. I would not want BF in charge of adopting out my cats after what happened at Pahrump Nugget (no matter what you all say - no adoption fee - no adoption). AND she was not even in charge of FLOCK at the time in question. I think some FLOCK people orchestrated that and that is SAD (I agree some of those FLOCK people were/are crazy. I have met some at spay-a-thon and they were not anyone I would want volunteering in the group I volunteer with)! From talking to people who know Sheri Allen, I believe she is not a bad person (who should be left in the desert - NEVADA10's humanitarian comment). There had to be some good FLOCK directors and some good FLOCK volunteers that could have been taught to run a santuary.

So to all you people who do not deal with the overwhelming animal overpopulation issues in Southern Nevada, please understand that the other humane groups in the area can't help powerful BF because we are already doing what we can everyday to help the dogs and cats in need. It is an uphill battle. So don't say that I do not know what I am talking about or that I do not do anything but "rant".

Have to leave my JOB and go feed my ferals around town, and go take care of my pets/foster cats/husband.

Posted 20 Aug 2007 10:46 PM by Nevada10

Well catgoddess I guess all you really want is a pat on the back for the job you are doing and I never said I know everything. If you listen to your ranting, you think you know everything, but obviously you don't either, but that doesn't stop your mouth from yapping. As I said since you have not been out there and really do not know what is going on, you should listen up. If it wasn't for Ms. Allen and the other FLOCK members these cats would not have been in this condition. Say what you want but the truth is the truth, You can defend them, but then I guess by defending them you can sleep at night. FLOCK was not interested and is still not interested in doing anything positive for these cats. And I am rude in saying that their punishment should be as they have done to these cats, then I am proud to be rude, And why does it bother you so much that BF needs money for this huge endeavor. As I said since you have not been out there and do not have a clue as what they are doing and have done and will continue to do, you should shut your mouth for you do not know what you speak of. An endeavor as this takes a huge amount of money, so why does it bother you that they need it. To take care of hundreds of cats is a monumental task and a huge expense. The fact that BF stepped says something about them. They are busy with their own sanctuary and other places that have gone to step up and help, but somehow you find that annoying, You don't get it, FLOCK does not care now, nor did they care when they were starving and miscaring for all these cats. Obviously you do not know that the majority of these cats are not feral, and they are taking care of all of the feral cats as well. Surgeries, meds, food, and everything else they are doing to clean up the FLOCK slum costs many thousands of dollars, and people should donate to help out and come out to adopt these cats as they need homes. They are not trying to adopt out any feral cats, but you seem to think they are and that is why you don't know everything as you claim to know. And why does it bug you that the casino donated a room to hold the adoption? It was well received and announcements were made during the day and people came in to donate their winnings as well. Oh but to you that is terrible. And to say that no adoption fee means no investment, you are off your rocker. We took home one of these babies and already it has cost us $250 to get him checked out and tested for other things. And will continue to take care of him no matter what as we have done with our other rescued cats throughout the years. You think some tiny fee makes it better? Like someone who paid some stupid fee will be a better guardian. Obviously you don't know what you are talking about and I do as I had a cat from a person who paid for it and then 3 years later just left him and his sister to die and I took him in, so paying a fee does not guarantee a good home. If that is all that your organization is interested in, that is pretty sad. The adoption form is lengthy and the interview is lengthy. And as I said not everyone got to take a cat home. And we personally did home checks for them with a long list to check and will continue to check on the pets when called to do so. It is none of your business that they are waiving the adoption fee. So feel free to get your ass over to the next adoption event and check all you want, and maybe since you have time to go over and check you might want to volunteer your time. You think you are the only person with a full time job and other things to do, well your not. welcome to the real world. You just love to stand on a pedistal and preach don't you. All I know if wasn't for BF there would be hundreds of dead cats because of FLOCK's neglect, so I will continue to volunteer, donate and help all we can, so stop sticking up for them. And BF goes to the Nye County Shelter every day to take care of those cats as well, cleaning cages, feeding, med care as well. And I pray that FLOCK never gets that property back because it will happen all over again because they DO NOT CARE, and they all need to go to jail and there needs to be stiffer sentences for animal abuse, and this is a serious case of animal abuse. If you do not know anything about running a cat sanctuary then they never should have gotten into the business, what happened is no excuse, so stop making excuses for them as well Miss Know It All. I think you should change your name to "doesn't know it all."

Posted 20 Aug 2007 10:57 PM by LVRottie

To CATGODDESS

It is obvious that we will not agree - so let us leave it at that. However, I would like to clarify a couple of things:

My point about the ferals becomming lap cats was to point out that these cats were not ferals at all ! ! ! There are more than 50 or 100 cats of the 414+ cats at the rescue that are adoptable. I will ask them what they plan for the ones that are feral and if you would like I will be more than happy to e-mail you what I find out.

Yes, FLOCK does own the land. I guess not everyone knew that. I am sure that FLOCK cared at some point, but I still have issues about them not getting help soon enough.

No, this is not my first time volunteering for animals. It is my first time volunteering for BF. It is commendable that you go around the valley and feed cats and that you TNR - but you are not the only one in Las Vegas that does it. You are not the only one that is outraged at the pet over population issues in Vegas - especially the cats. You accuse me of knowing nothing about cats or their diseases - my inability to diagnose a cat based on sight alone. I know plenty about animals as I was an animal control officer for some time (in Clark County no less). As for diagnosing - I will gladly leave that up to the professionals, their expertise, and lab tests. You just never know - cats can surprise you - you think one thing and so often it is something else completely.

My vet thinks highly of Sheri Allen. My vet can't believe what I have told her I have seen in Pahrump. Sheri Allen may be a very nice, kind, caring person. My problem is with the condition of the cats - which I have seen for myself. My heart cries for the cats because they have had to live in terrible conditions.

Now, enough of the cat fighting. I am done with you and anyone else who wants to be negative about what BF is doing. I choose to surround myself with positive people.

Posted 20 Aug 2007 11:45 PM by catgoddess

lvrottie - Thanks for understanding what I am trying to say. I am just concerned about the ferals. Adoptable cats need homes and should not be out there. The ferals with no homes need a safe place. They can't be adopted and they can't be returned from where ever they are from. They have formed a colony or colonies out there and they are going to be uprooted. If 100 out of 414+ are adoptable, good homes are needed and deserved. All tame cats deserve a family and love/cuddling. The rest (ferals) need a permenant safe home. Please post when you hear about the plan for the ferals.

Nevada10 - you are an IDIOT (albeit a nice person to volunteer) who can not read. I was not asking for a pat on the back. I was proving that I am involved in a different way (since SouthAfricanFriend thought I was only watching). I can not come out there and help. I have enough to do here with rescuing (as do many other groups/people). Half the crap you say I say in this latest post - I never said! When did I say anything bad about the Pahrump Nugget, people giving donations/volunteering or having a problem with having adoptions at a casino? I am not defending FLOCK. I never defended FLOCK. I said they needed help learning to manage a santuary and they should have asked sooner (and they should have asked the other groups in Clark County) because as you said "taking care of hundreds of cats is a monumental task and a huge expense". They got overwhelmed and may have been incompetent, but it does not mean they did not care. I have said that I think conclusions are made about Sheri Allen and that is it (so I would say I was defending her a little). You need to learning reading comprehension - read SSSLLLOOOWWWEERR! But yes....adoption fees help with reducing abandonment (and for you to say different makes you off your rocker). Yes - people still abandon after paying adoption fees, but it has been shown that people have more investment in an animal with an adoption fee and are LESS likely to abandon. Super, advertised adopt-a-thons bring people caught up in doing a good deed who later regret or are overwhelmed by the new pet. Adoptions are better done by adoptees who think the adoption out and truly want a new family member (not a card dealer running in between games, as stated on BF's web site, to fill out adoption paperwork). And I never said people should not donate or volunteer to the cause or to BF - they should! And as lvrottie JUST stated, the majority ARE feral. Anyway..I am done addressing you Nevada10. I will see you at the October 20th adoption event. If you really want to help, take home some ferals and give them a good indoor home! They can hide under your bed for the rest of their life!

I will continue to monitor the postings so I can see what the plan for the ferals is. Lvrottie - if you find out please post. And thank you for being a past animal control officer in Clark County. I am sure it was truly hard to see all the things you saw and have to put animals in the shelter to be euthanized. Our euthanization rates are incrediable. Over 10,000 cats were euthanized in 2006 - only 617 cats were claimed or adopted. Sad figures. Something has to be done! And I KNOW I am not the only one trying or the only one outraged. I also know we are all a long way from the solution.

Posted 21 Aug 2007 12:49 AM by mirellat2002

To: Best Friends Website Administrator: PLEASE restrict the length of the comments posted. It is totally inexcusable that someone like (YUK) 'catgoddess' (gives you some idea of the ego there) is allowed to monopolize the forum, ATTACK people at will, and to continually come on and spew her venom.
ENOUGH!!! PLEASE CUT HER OFF NOW!! She is taking the focus off the cats, the needs to be addressed, and things that REALLY MATTER.
PLEASE ....NO MORE (YUK) 'catgoddess'.
THANK YOU.
God bless you all who are working so hard. It must be intolerable to have to see and read that tripe. Please skip over, ignore, and were it possible: DELETE!!!!! Thank you all again for your good work. MT

Posted 21 Aug 2007 1:12 AM by mirellat2002

Notice to all legitimate readers of these forums: realdeal has contaminated ALL 51 stories in this forum with that garbage website for FLOCK, under the guise of it being about two cats. What a sleazybag, PHONEYDEAL, that person is.
There really needs to be some community standards in these forums. Being a free country does not mean you can spew your venom and garbage. There ARE actually some limits to all freedoms. That is what makes a civilized society.
The sad part here is that the garbage from a few on these forums take away from the good work and the focus which needs to be on the cats, and other good productive activities.
My suggestion to the good people on these forums: IGNORE the garbage, don't rise to the bait, DO NOT RESPOND to these garbage producers. Let's keep the good work and good vibes flowing for the animals. MT

Posted 21 Aug 2007 2:45 AM by catgoddess

mirellat2002 - I have not spewed any venom (except at Nevada10 who repeatedly told me to "shut my mouth" in her post and then did not read the following post accurately and continued to attack me). Healthy dialogue. I am posting a valid concern about the ferals well being and tame cats adoption policy (but I guess THAT does not MATTER to you or is not in your definition of what really matters). You attack whomever you do not like as seen earlier when you told ratmom that she is not a nice person. I am not posting anymore (unless I am attacked again by "yuck" not "yuk" you). LVRottie who goes out to the Pahrump site will find out what is going on with the ferals and post what she finds out. And catgoddess is not in reference to me - it is in reference to when cats were treated like goddesses and gods in ancient egypt instead of like trash (as seen by the millions euthanized yearly in America) by our culture. Don't like what I am saying - your response mirellat2002 - attack me (or is that you don't like my criticisms). BF is a good organization and has done great and amazing things in this country that does not mean that they are doing the BEST thing in this situation. They are doing a good thing, but better would have been to help rescue the rescue organization and get it running properly!

Posted 21 Aug 2007 7:57 AM by czimmer671

Will everybody please stop, this isn't helping.

Posted 21 Aug 2007 10:09 AM by LVRottie

Yes, CZIMMER671 - I am with you. I am done with this. The only thing that I would like to clarify is that the majority of the cats at the Pahrump rescue are NOT FERAL. The ferals are by far in the minority population at this location.

Posted 21 Aug 2007 10:43 AM by pinkys

Does anyone know if authorities have investigated other FLOCK members/volunteers? There is a strong possibility cats being "fostered" by people involved with this group are in the same dire situation. This may be the tip of the iceberg.

Julie.

Posted 21 Aug 2007 12:18 PM by ratmom

I agree, the best way to stop these threads is not to respond to them. Just stop answering. Don't add one more "thought" to clarify your position. Just stop. Limiting their length won't fix it.

Posted 21 Aug 2007 5:10 PM by champie

To all-
I may not know alot about the details, but what I do know about is the ONLY thing that is IMPORTANT to me is the WELLFARE and CARE of the ANIMALS still out there. Bickering put aside, all positive thoughts and engery need to go to the cats still at the compound. REMEBER, most all of us have the same goal, our concern and LOVE of the cats. Lets be positive and help the situation in our own way.

Posted 21 Aug 2007 6:31 PM by Nevada10

You are right, we need to ingore people who do not know what is acutally going on here, who have not been out to the site to see the fantastic job that BF is doing. NO OTHER ORGANIZATION STEPPED UP TO HELP OUT BUT BF, and I do not want to hear anyone bad mouthing what they are doing here. If it wasn't for them there would be 400 plus dead cats. There are certain people who do not get the fact that FLOCK DOES NOT CARE, DID NOT CARE AND STILL DOES NOT CARE TO HELP OUT WITH THEIR MESS. MAKE A MESS AND THEN LEAVE IT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO CLEAN UP MUST BE THEIR MOTTO. If someone is defending FLOCK then obviously they do not care either. It is easy to say things when you do not have first hand knowledge nor have seen the devistation that was there. Each time we go out there it is evident how much BF cares and how much they are trying to give these cats their one precious lives back, including taking care of the ferals who were left to die in the heat with no protection from the sun, no food, no water, no medical care. Now they are getting cared for as well as the hundreds of tame cats that there are. This is also why you should keep your cats indoors, for letting them out they can get captured and taken to death camps like the FLOCK place. If FLOCK had an ounce of decency in them they would step up to the plate, admit they were at fault and try to help make the situation better. I hope they do not ever get this property back because it would mean certain death for many more precious cats.
Thank you BF for all your hard and dedicated work here and at the other places where you have saved countless lives of all kinds of wonderful animals. You are truly a god send.

Posted 21 Aug 2007 7:41 PM by pinkys

Is anyone investigating these FLOCK people? Last summer I met one of the FLOCK people at Petsmart in Henderson (I cannot remember her name) anyway, I asked her how many cats she was fostering and she didn't tell me. Now that this tragedy in Pahrump has been brought to light, there could be several people associated with this group hoarding cats as well. For the sake of the cats, I hope someone with some fortitude, either with the media or law enforcement ,will do a sweep of this organization. The entire organization needs to be held accountable.

Posted 21 Aug 2007 9:24 PM by JerseyGrrl

I think it is important to adress incorrect statements and assumptions posted here in this public(?) forum.

People reading the forum and reading false / incorrect statments posted by someone who is not at the site and doesn't know what is really going on could be misled.

I appreciate the real information from you folks who are there caring for these cats.

Thank you.

Posted 21 Aug 2007 10:01 PM by rescuerCalifornia

After reading so many heartfelt emails from people on this website I began to wonder how many of them have donated to help these cats. I'm not asking any of you to send a check for a hundred dollars, fifty or even twenty. What if EVERYONE who read these stories would give just five or ten dollars. Go onto the donate page and just pledge enough money that would be the price of a large pizza. You have no idea the good that would happen if the people who cared enough to read and post their comments on this story would just give a little. Best Friends is really reaching out for donations and volunteers. A little from each one of us, I've already donated ten and I won't miss it either, we could generate much needed funds to keep this rescue going.

Posted 21 Aug 2007 10:56 PM by Dcastillo

I am an animal lover (with a soft spot for cats) from South Florida. I am a member of BF for awhile and have found myself just captivated by this sad situation in Pahrump. I have sent money and supplies. and wished I lived close enough to volunteer. I find myself checking in every night just to get an update on all the kitties and hope and pray all the adoptable ones find homes. And that the feral ones get taken care of too. All cats are equal to me. I normally dont post comments and usually feel sorry for ignorance...understanding that some people just dont know better. In this case, it is hard to overlook some of the commentary posted here. Realdeal and Ms. Allen - obviously you need to create a truth you can live with, because reality is just too painful. Go get help and leave cats alone. Anyone who thinks removing half a face of a sick and dying cat is a merciful act - needs some serious intervention. My question is - what kind of quality vet would conduct this kind of surgery, against his/her own medical advice? And Catgoddess - you sound like a jealous, jilted and scorned woman. Who cares how much money it costs or how much money BF spends? What research do you have to refute free vs. fee adoptions? It doesnt sound like its too scientific. Who cares about anything other than 400 animals were DYING in the desert until BF came in. You and other local organizations have a problem with how BF handled (per one of your earlier posts)? Because of BF, people like me from places far away, are sending money and donations to help all of these animals. No local organization has that kind of reach. So instead of nitpicking what BF is doing wrong - why dont you step outside yourself and realize BF is one of the most respected animal rescue organizations in the country and be grateful they have the resources to do what they are doing.

Posted 21 Aug 2007 11:12 PM by ruthm

An adoption fee does not seperate the good adopters from the bad. I have never paid an adoption fee for any of the cats I have taken in except for one I got at the pound. They did not get less or inferior care because they were free. I find it insuting that anyone would insinuate that.

The only reason I can think of that anyone would complain about no adoption fee is because they are a breeder, own a pet shop, or in some way are losing money because of it.

Posted 22 Aug 2007 3:18 PM by ruthy92

Is a Barn Cat program a possibility for placing ferals?

Many groups have had luck with reaching out to say, qualified horse stable owners.

These situations can often provide security and protection for cats who are unable to live indoors.

Posted 22 Aug 2007 4:33 PM by Margaret

I believe the number one priority of Best Friends was to come to the FLOCK site and save the lives of as many cats as possible. Their priority was not to show FLOCK members how to run a sanctuary. Can you imagine the time, money, and energy that would have been wasted holding little workshops and training sessions for FLOCK members in how to run a sanctuary -- while hundreds of cats at the site were suffering and dying?

I'd just like to hammer home the point, here, that the number one priority of Best Friends was to save the FLOCK cats and establish an emergency rescue system at the site so that standards of quality care could be provided to the cats.

If any FLOCK members want Best Friends to "rescue the rescue" and show them how to run a sanctuary, well, all the FLOCK members have to do is show up at the FLOCK site, open their eyes and ears and senses, take out their pens and notebooks to take notes, and observe the actions of Best Friends staff, coordinators, volunteers, veterinarians, vet techs, etc. as they go about their hard work every day. Watch and learn. I'm sure if FLOCK members were at the site, getting involved and helping with every aspect of the rescue system put in place by Best Friends, they would certainly learn by leaps and bounds how to run a sanctuary.

FLOCK members, get in there, get involved, and you will see how it's done, I promise.

Posted 22 Aug 2007 10:03 PM by Nevada10

Margaret you are right on the cats have been the number one priority from the get go. As I have previously said it is easy to create a mess and then have someone come clean it up. To this day FLOCK has not been interested in anything. Yea BF

Posted 22 Aug 2007 11:52 PM by PeterC

I'm going to be going sometime in the next 2 weeks to volunteer for a week and would like to know if anyone else would like to go to perhaps share a car hire from Vegas to Pahrump. There is a lot of talk on this board, and I'd love to see some action out of some of you who haven't yet done your part. Anyone else want to join me?

Peace all...

Posted 23 Aug 2007 12:57 AM by Katalyst

I was out at FLOCK today and just wanted to give an update...

I'd never been out there before- warning to first timers- the drive is LONG from Las Vegas. Getting to Pahrump wasn't too bad, but actually going through the back roads to the sanctuary seemed to take forever!

Anyways, I went out there with the thought of adopting in my mind- of course, there are so many cats, that it's hard to pick 'just one'. The staff there was extremely friendly- they were very outgoing and willing to answer any questions about any of the cats. I saw most of the cats available- including some in the hospital rooms. The gentleman working in there was a wealth of knowledge about those kitties.

The volunteer I was paired up with was great- she's a local from Vegas and really a great gal! (I know she posts here- I just cannot remember her name!). She took me through all of the rooms and introduced me to a lot of the cats.

Now- kitties that struck me...

Jade was a beautiful little PLUMP black girl who loved to be cuddled, but didn't want to share.

Frogger was an old orange gentleman who loved to purr.

Riley was a handsome tabby with white markings- he loves to cuddle as well.

VickyAnn (I believe) was supposed to be a lover too- but she was recovering from having an eye removed.

There was this one tabbie female (I think) who was following us- she was quite the looker!

There are cats of every color out there- really, if you are looking to adopt- give them a chance!

I just wanted to say thanks on here to the guys and gals out there today- you can tell by the condition of the cats, the fact that they all had fresh food and CLEAN kitty litter boxes, as well as the nice cool breeze of a swamp cooler going- that you are putting your all into these cats. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Posted 23 Aug 2007 8:09 AM by czimmer671

Katalyst, thank you for the update! Lovely to hear! Especially the PLUMP part!

Posted 23 Aug 2007 10:49 AM by LVRottie

Hi Katalyst - I am the one that took you around. I am glad that you enjoyed your visit and I can't wait to see you out there as a volunteer. You will have to e-mail me and let me know when you are going - maybe we can ride out together.

I am glad that you remembered Jade's name - I had forgotten. Now, is she the one that laid in your arms on her back and talked to you?

The tabbie was a white and tabbie mix - and she literally followed Katalyst from one hut to another - I haven't seen anything like that since Stalker.

When we were all done, Katalyst and I sat outside in the shade and gave plenty of pets and luvs to the outside cats that would let us. One little black cat settled between us and looked content to have people on both sides of her.

AAAAWWWWWW they are just all so adorable - I fall in love all over again with each and every one of the kitties. Hey, Katalyst, what about that one that nuzzled in my neck? Wasn't that one a cutie?

Posted 23 Aug 2007 11:02 AM by Katalyst

Frankly, LVrottie- I saw at LEAST one who was begging for you to bring him home- LOL! UUUUUH- my mind is hazy this morning so the name isn't coming around, but I should have brought my camera because there were quite a few good picture perfect moments!

Yeah, Jade is the chubby one who laid back in my arms as we were sitting down- she didn't want to share the lurve with anyone else- LOL! (Jade WAS the exception to the rule- there were a few filled out cats there, but a lot are still on the thin side- I was told that you could already see the difference between when BFs stepped in and now in regard to their weight. Jade may have been one of the last dropped off at the sanctuary). Then there was Mr Grey (is that his name or did I just make it up in my head?). He was a grey and white boy in 5 or 6- oh my gosh, people- he is a LOVE! He curled up and went to SLEEP in my arms in a ball!

I was trying to read all of the posts on here last night- but I just couldn't get through it. In the end, BFs is doing a wonderful thing- without them, what would have happened to these cats? Honestly- all of these babies with all of these GREAT personalities- they probably would have been boxed up, carted off and euth'd.

OH, and in my very humble (not really) opinion after having done cat rescue as well as some work with ferals- there are VERY FEW true ferals in that sanctuary. With time, I think most of them would come around- even now, most of them have remembered that people=food=love!

Posted 24 Aug 2007 1:44 PM by lemming

I should note I am a Best Friends Employee, but the following is my own opinion and outlook.

I work in the adoptions department of Best Friends and yes, we do screening of adopters. We don't adopt to everyone who just shows up. And we do a home check with every adoption. With the Pahrump cats, we're not charging an adoption fee. The families are encouraged to have a vet check done immediately and there is the possibility of further medical issues. More so than the animals that we adopt out from the Kanab Sanctuary.

Since I'm in Vegas often on mobile adoptions, I've talked with people who knew Sherri Allen.
They all talked about how good she was with the animals and that she never turned any away. Which unfortunately is the root of the problem. You take in more than you can take care of, you hurt the ones you already have.

I've been out to the FLOCK compound a few times now. I'd say the vast majority of the cats there are non-feral.

And I'd like to thank catgoddess for what she's been doing for the ferals in Vegas. It needs doing.

Posted 24 Aug 2007 9:11 PM by catgoddess

Lemming - Thanks. I want you to know that I do support Best Friend's in their efforts here and in the rest of the country. It is truly amazing what you accomplish for the animals. I do appreciate that they are getting the adoptable cats out of FLOCK's santuary. They should not and never should have been there. No cats (or any animals) deserve to suffer and adoptables need homes/families/love. I have finally read ALL the stories on the adoption at Pahrump Nugget and I see that people put in the investment to drive there. All those stories made me feel better about the adoptions. I guess it was a knee jerk reaction to assume that the no adoption fee was unacceptable, but I have heard horror stories and seen horrible results of "aquired for free" animals. I am sure you know what I am talking about. The adoption stories were heartwarming.

I am worried about the ferals at FLOCK's santuary. It keeps me up at night because I can not think of anything for Best Friend's to do with them. I have devoted so much time to the ferals of Las Vegas. I have NEVER taken any out to FLOCK and I have even gotten in a verbal fight with a FLOCK volunteer at a local vet when she told me she was taking some out there. The place they were from was not being torn down and there was no issues. I begged her to release them where she caught them. I only trap at places where the cats can be released back - period. If person/homeowner is trapping to kill or trapping to remove/release anywhere else, I do not participate. I never remove adoptable ones either, but try to find the owner, and educate them about lettng the cat roam outdoors. Anyway.....I would love to know what is going to happen to the ferals. Please, if you find out, post it (if you can) or somehow tell the other organizations so I will get word.

Ideally, it would be best if someone ran that place as a feral cat sanctuary (as intended). Ran it properly and kept those colonies safe and happy. Our rapidly developing and redeveloping city needs a safe place for ferals. Thank goodness the era of tearing down trailer parks has stopped for now.

Posted 24 Aug 2007 10:05 PM by bogiedew

catgoddess..you sound like a very caring person. I feel so sad that you are so worried about the ferals..and it is very understandable. I am sure lots of people are very worried about these cats.My heart breaks for them. But they are in BF hands right now..and I think we can all trust that nothing bad will ever happen to them again..we have to believe in them. I think when the time comes, they will make the right decision for them.

Posted 25 Aug 2007 1:49 AM by LVRottie

Catgoddess - Please read my blog. I did ask what BF plans for the ferals are and the information is posted there.

Posted 25 Aug 2007 4:13 PM by mxipp

to catgoddess: There are feral cats in residence at BF in Utah, in their own areas. I do not think you need worry about ANY of the Pahrump cats that BF has taken under its wing. Domestic, feral, healthy, sick -- they ALL will be given the best care and future depending on their individual needs.

I have been a BF supporter for years, and my ONLY regret is that I cannot do more and give more to help them in the work they do.

Posted 26 Aug 2007 8:10 PM by SyberCat

I still don't really understand how this happened. Did somebody just turn out the lights, close the door and never come back? How can an organization established enough to have a president and board of directors have allowed this to happen?

Thank god the Nye County animal people had the good sense to call Best Friends.

Posted 27 Aug 2007 12:01 AM by pinkys

Today I had the opportunity to work in the hospitals at Best Friends in Pahrump, cleaning the kennels, feeding, water, etc. Of the assignments given to me when I volunteer each Sunday, I enjoyed this one the most! Although it was sad to see kitties in this condition, it felt great to be able to help them in a small way (plus most of them enjoy the human contact). I was very impressed with how well the hospitals are run and the kitties are truly cared for. It is easy to see these kitties are in good hands. Next Sunday is the only one I cannot visit the site but look forward to many more after that. I hope I have the opportunity to work in the hospitals again. If any of the BF staff read this, please sign me up!

Julie.

Posted 27 Aug 2007 10:13 PM by meowzer

My friend and I just returned from a few days working at Pahrump and in a word it is AWESOME!!! The cats are wonderful and feeding time is something to see. I too was able to help in the two hospital rooms and I can tell you that BF does EVERYTHING they can to give each and every cat a fighting chance. The dedication of the people that have been working at the Pahrump location is unbelievable! Every one of them sleeps on the property on cots out in the open and does not leave because they want to be there if they are needed. Many of them have been there since BF took over with no break. This is why the need for volunteers is so URGENT. If you have the time, they can use your help. No task is too small and they appreciate the help.

Cathy

Posted 27 Aug 2007 10:38 PM by shellib

My husband Mike is in Pahrump for his third deployment. I am here in Kanab holding down the fort, taking care of the sanctuary cats, and our own brood at home. He is so thrilled with all of the people coming to help, and the donations being sent. He said the cats have improved SO MUCH since his first days there. Credit goes to all of you, whether you are sending donations, volunteering your time, or spreading the word that help is needed. Please keep the ball rolling! Please, let's stick to positive messages here. Be assured that justice will be served in the end. The good always wins over the bad. Thank you again!!

Posted 28 Aug 2007 12:32 AM by cindyt

Hey All,
My friend Cathy and I are headed to Pahrump we are leaving the Roseville, Ca area on Aug 30th. early am driving her Explorer arriving Sometime Thursday night and staying at the Best Western.
So we will see all of you on Friday.

Hugs Cindy & Cat

Posted 29 Aug 2007 1:35 PM by jennifer

I just found out today that I'll be out there from Sept. 9th - 21st. I'm THRILLED!

Posted 29 Aug 2007 2:17 PM by bogiedew

Uhh..Jennifer! The whole time?? You were supposed to be my tour guide on the 15th! How sad for me..but I guess you are needed more there!
But I wont get to meet you :(

Posted 29 Aug 2007 3:13 PM by Lora726

To all those heading to Pahrump to volunteer for the first time...you are in for a truly amazing experience. I came in from NJ for a week in early August and met up with a friend from Canada I'd first met through BF, in New Orleans, following Katrina. We both agree this is an experience unlike any other. The heat, the dust, the flies...none of that is of any consequence at all when a kitty sees you and makes a beeline for you, hoping for a cuddle and a kiss. Or when the sun sets and kitties wander in from everywhere, looking for a lap or a shoulder or an ankle to wind 'round. Or when you see a once-starving kitty plump up, almost before your eyes! There's magic happening out there in the desert. I'd encourage anyone who can to get out there and be part of it. You'll never forget it.

Posted 29 Aug 2007 8:37 PM by Lora726

Just heard that BF has been awarded custody of the cats that were found in the former founder's home & who've been housed in the Nye County Animal Shelter all these weeks. They should be on their way to Kanab soon and getting the excellent care they so desperately need & deserve.

Posted 29 Aug 2007 9:32 PM by sarrobin

Glorious news - thanks so much for letting us know.

God bless.

Posted 29 Aug 2007 11:31 PM by MINI

I'm the friend from Canada that Lora went to Pahrump with. I completely agree that there is magic happening in the desert and Best Friends are the magicians. Lora described it perfectly. It wasn't like either of the previous volunteer experiences.

A word of warning... you will fall in love! There are so many wonderful kitties out there that you just want to take them all home with you. Not a day went by that I haven't thought of them since my return. It was definately a special and rewarding experience. You are paid generously with love from the kitties.

I'm estatic about Best Friends getting custody of the sweet babies at the Animal Shelter. I'm planning a trip to Kanab to help with their care.

For anyone who is going to Pahrump wear 50 sunblock, drink lots of water and enjoy your stay. You won't regret it. For anyone who is thinking of going, don' t think, just get your butt out there.

For the record, as a girl from cold Canada, I loved the heat. Enjoy some rays for me. ^..^

Posted 30 Aug 2007 4:27 PM by Tooky

Oh, thank God, that BF has been awarded custody of the cats from Sherry Allen's home!! I volunteered in Pahrump last week and spent one day helping out at the shelter, where they were all being housed. A truly distressing experience, fearing for the ultimate fate of those desperate kitties (and lizards and ferrets). As a whole, they were in much worse shape than the cats out at the FLOCK site - showing what decent care can accomplish!

This volunteer experience was heart-wrenching, glorious, depressing, and exhilerating all at once. So many wonderful cats that follow you around, talk to you, sit on your lap and purr! And so many others, that are still so shy and distrustful that they run in a panic when you appear. Quite a few cats are now looking healthy, curious and playful. And there are others that are still alarmingly underweight and guarded. It was hard, hot, dusty work, and I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

I stayed at the Best Western there in Pahrump, very reasonable (be sure you tell them you're volunteering for BF), and with an excellent complimentary breakfast. I certainly appreciated the airconditioned room and the ability to have a real shower and wash my hair, but the best experience during my week there came from one night when all the rooms in Pahrump were full. I ended up sleeping at the site with all the cats in the yard!! It didn't make for a sound sleep, but I enjoyed the company of at least 5 or 6 kittie-buddies sleeping on top of me all night long!

I met some wonderful folks (volunteers and staff), and I hope I can go back down there for another week in September or October. Thanks, BF, for all you are doing! It is truly impressive!!

Posted 19 Sep 2007 11:13 AM by realdeal

Hello everyone
I know I have been on here alot posting about Sheri Allen.
But what I am posting today is not about Sheri.
I was surfing the net and found these story's I hope and thing that all of you might be interseted in reading these articals.
http://www.thedogpress.com/Columns/Jade/06_BestFriendsHist.Pt1_10.htm
> http://www.thedogpress.com/Columns/Jade/06_BestFriendsHist.Pt2_11.htm

Posted 22 Sep 2007 5:11 PM by realdeal

More updates on http://www.flockcats.com/

Posted 8 Oct 2007 11:56 PM by kwhitlock

Everyone on the board of FLOCK needs to go to jail.

Posted 27 Mar 2008 1:49 PM by ucmmsoya

Former FLOCK prez charged with cruelty

March 14, 2008 : 10:53 PM ET

Nevada prosecutors have accused the former president of FLOCK (For the Love of Cats and Kittens) of animal cruelty, saying it was her neglect that created nightmarish conditions for more than 800 cats at the desert compound.
Last July, the overwhelming scope of the problem led local authorities to seek help from Best Friends, which launched a successful campaign dubbed the “Great Kitty Rescue.”

On March 13, the Nye County district attorney filed 13 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty against Sharon “Sheri” Allen. The law under which she was charged prohibits anyone from depriving an animal of necessary food or drink, abandoning an animal, or engaging in an act of cruelty against an animal.

If convicted, she would face maximum penalties of up to six months in jail, 120 hours of community service and a fine of $1,000 on each count. She is scheduled to be arraigned April 14.

Allen previously was charged with animal cruelty in the wake of the FLOCK revelations when investigators found 125 sick and malnourished animals – including 114 cats – at her home. A judge ordered them turned over to Best Friends, and we transported them to our sanctuary in southern Utah.

“It’s important to ensure that this kind of horror won’t just start up again,” says Best Friends president Michael Mountain. “And a case like this can set a precedent that will encourage other local authorities to take action when they come across other hoarding situations.”

Best Friends has drafted and sent to Nye County officials a model ordinance that would create a separate crime of animal hoarding, with penalties to include mental health counseling, a restriction on owning cats and routine inspections.

“Our ordinance recognizes the unique nature of hoarding as animal abuse,” says Best Friends general counsel Russ Mead. “This is not law now, but we hope Nye County will adopt an anti-hoarding ordinance.”

A volunteer tipped off county officers to the inhumane conditions inside the two-acre facility in Pahrump. The compound, surrounded by a 12-foot-high fence topped with barbed wire, was inhospitable desert landscape where the temperature often soared to 120 degrees.

Most of the cats were severely malnourished, some near death. They suffered from upper respiratory illnesses as well as ear mites, tapeworm, rotten teeth and gums, open wounds or eye infections. At least 40 died because they were so sick and weak.

“This is the worst I’ve seen in terms of animal cruelty and neglect,” says Mead, who was on-site at the beginning of the rescue. “When we got there, your eyes would water from the smell of urine and feces, and there were thousands of flies in every building.”

Best Friends was asked to document each cat’s condition and turn over the information, including photos, to prosecutors. At the time, district attorney Bob Beckett said that if crimes were committed, he would prosecute “to the fullest extent.”

Although the cats were purported to be ferals who were trapped in the desert or brought in from the streets, Best Friends animal behavior consultant Sherry Woodard says many were simply frightened pets who behaved like feral cats because of the conditions at the compound. In fact, several were identified as missing from their families and returned.

FLOCK president Maggie Ward accused Allen, her predecessor, of mismanaging the shelter. “We didn’t know about it for a long time,” Ward says, “because she wouldn’t let volunteers into the facility. She kept it locked and changed the locks every couple of weeks.”

Allen denied the allegations, saying that when she resigned, the sanctuary was clean and the cats were healthy.

Nonetheless, it was left to dedicated volunteers and devoted Best Friends staffers – who slept in the cat buildings or spent weeks at a time living in RVs or tents – to clean the facility, build shady areas to protect the cats from the heat, set up a triage system and two cat hospitals, vaccinate the animals, treat infections and wounds, and transport dozens of very ill cats to area veterinarians.

All the cats have now been moved from the FLOCK compound. Thanks to a series of successful adoption events, most have gone on to forever homes, and the rest were brought to the Best Friends sanctuary for special care.

Written by Michael Rinker
Photos by Molly Wald and Troy Snow

Read more about the Great Kitty Rescue.

The work of Best Friends – in the Great Kitty Rescue and at our sanctuary – is possible only because of your generous support. Click here to help us reach our goal of No More Homeless Pets.

Check out more Best Friends news.

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March 27, 2008 : 8:33 AM ET
posted by: Mom of Niki
Cougie_girl, please bottom line this for me, are you saying that you feel that Sharon Allen is exempt from any wrongdoing, any responsibility for the conditions that all those cats were found in, and I don't care if you're talking about Pahrump or her own personal house or property? Are you saying that Miss Allen did nothing wrong?
I'm not trying to gang up on you or anyone else, I'm just trying to get a feel for your position.

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March 26, 2008 : 10:41 PM ET
posted by: cougie_girl
To answer all of your questions yes I was someone who was involved in the all of this mess. FLOCK wasn't in bad shape when I left it and that was the day that Allen left. I would have stayed there as a volunteer except the real culprits of this crime were extremely rude to me so I left. They didn't care about the animals. all they cared about was how much money they could get from adoptions. I realize that many of you don't seem to think that it takes a short period of time for things to get like the way that everyone is describing it, but when the cats are in 120 degree weather without the care that they deserve then yes they are going to look like skeletons. People can look like skeletons in about a few weeks out here in the dead of summer.
The cats at Allens house on the other hand is a different matter. Fist lets get one thing straight not all of the cats were in here house there wer several rooms in the office of her buisness for them to roam and a cat house outside where the feral cats on here property were comfortable. None of you seem to understand the fact when you talk about the dehydrated cats that came from Allens PROPERTY NOT house you don't seem to realize that they were all stuffed at least 2 to a cage or trap and then left in them for over 24 hours before being removed to a kennel by themselves. But no you don't take that in to consideration.

Another thing you should ask yourselves if she really lock every bodyout, how come I and other volunteers and visitors get in. Its not Allens fault that the owner of the property is to stupid to know how to use a key. Plus if you actually read some of the aritcles in papers not just on this site you will find that the stories the the FLOCK prez now says are different from the ones earlier. Yes I'm talking about Ward.

The fabulous volunteer that called BF into the HORRIBLE conditions happens to be the one on this site that has a blog. Her name is Denis Davis. Yea she will tell you about how horrible Allen was to her, but she never mentions any of the other organizations she has worked with. Why do you ask because none of them will work with her. They have all kicked her out at one point or another. Even one of the petsmarts that FLOCK used to have adoptions at refused to work with her. How could someone be so wonderful, but hated by every one she works with. Yep and this person also has over 50 cats at her property that are sick and living in horrible conditions but animal control refuses to come and check it out. How do I know this becuse she has been called about several times and by several different people.

So before you all start ganging up on me you might wanna look at yourselves and the people that you think agree with you.

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March 26, 2008 : 3:02 PM ET
posted by: Mom of Niki
Cougie_girl, I have a question or two or you. Have you been personally involved post~rescue with any of the cats from either Sharon Allen's home or those at Pahrump? Did you see, first hand, the conditions that any/all of these animals were so called "living" in?
I guess I'm having a difficult time understanding how you can throw your support to someone who obviously was in total disregard of her charges? This wasn't just a case of a few cats having colds....the combined number of cats involved is nearly 1,000 and from what has been written the conditions weren't fit for the slime living underneath a rock.

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March 25, 2008 : 11:13 AM ET
posted by: ckblv
I am thinking the law in Pahrump doesn't much care about animals. Let's see if this horrendous situation gets them to institute stricter animal abuse laws.
All at FLOCK are responsible, volunteers included. Article says the volunteers urged Maggie to call BF. Well, if she wouldn't call, what kept the volunteers from calling? Did they not know how to pick up a phone and call. All the excuses from all involved in this are lame and pathetic. We reap what we sow folks, sooner or later.

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March 25, 2008 : 12:15 AM ET
posted by: skidoo23
I don't work for BF or live in Kanab, I'm a volunteer. I saw the emaciated, dehydrated and neglected animals that were pulled from Sharon Allen's home. They were starved, thirsty, ignored and isolated - only someone with severe mental illness would think that is appropriate animal care. I have followed up with them by volunteering in Kanab and watch most of them become healthy, well-adjusted and expressive of their true natures. Only a few have proven to be true ferals - many were just sweet animals trapped in one person's manipulative, psychotic actions.

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March 24, 2008 : 11:23 PM ET
posted by: cougie_girl
mpeaches, your opinion would have nothing to do with the fact that you live in Kanab, and possibly employed by Best Friends. Just wondering.

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March 24, 2008 : 9:49 PM ET
posted by: mpeaches
Ms. Allen had over 100 cats in her home - and she may have only been charged on 13 counts - but trust me when I say that far more than 13 were ill - very ill. I worked at Nye County Animal Control helping with those kitties until they were awarded to Nye County and adopted by Best Friends and could come to the Sanctuary in Kanab - and my heart broke for those cats, especially when we didn't know how the judge would rule. Once I found out they would be coming to the Sanctuary, I breathed a huge sigh of relief, because I knew then that they would be safe, cared for and loved.

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March 24, 2008 : 3:00 PM ET
posted by: skidoo23
There is not a sane person in the entire world that would come to the defense of FLOCK, Sylvia Lyss, Margie Ward, and Sharon Allen. Anyone with an ounce of humanity and compassion would work to prevent them, both as an organized group and individuals, from trying to hijack the no-kill movement and turn it into a cover for their psychotic need for absolute control over animals, in total disregard for the safety and health of the so-called "rescued" animals.

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March 24, 2008 : 1:56 PM ET
posted by: cougie_girl
Some of you guys really need to get your facts straight. First off it does matter wether the charges are for the flock cats or allens own personal cats. Secondly allen had 117 cats not 13. So 11 with basically a common cold isnt that bad. please people dont go posting things if you are not totally informed about what the media is saying. Obviously BF is not up to snuff about what they are writing.

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Posted 15 Apr 2008 2:20 PM by aminvolved

FYI....on april 14, 2008 sheri allen appeared in nye county justice court and pled NOT GUILTY because she is NOT GUILTY to 13 misdomear counts of animal cruelity involving the cats taken from her residence. no charges have been filed against "ANYONE" regarding FLOCK.