The MSPCA is confirming that 11 cats have been rescued for two different locations after their owners allegedly abandoned them during the January blizzard in Berkshire county.
Officials say that there were actually 15 cats. 2 did not make it and another two were never found. The surviving cats are being treated at their facility in Pittsfield. Officials say they will be put up for adoption.
MSPCA's Law Enforcement Officer Tom Grenham says: “This case is particularly disturbing given the many avenues available to safely surrender the animals vs. leaving them outside on one of the coldest days of the year," Grenham said.
Two people have been charged with 15 counts of animal cruelty and will be arraigned later this month.
MSPCA officials call it one of the worst abandonment cases they have had to deal with. The cats range in age from 5 months old to 5 years old and will be spayed or neutered and then put up for adoption.
Under state law- animal cruelty is now a felony, punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a 5 thousand dollar fine.
(Photo Credit: Berkshire Humane Society)