17 Bobcats Seized

Wolves, bobcats, dogs, cats rescued from Idaho property

03:23 PM PDT on Wednesday, April 23, 2008

KTVB.COM

BOISE, Idaho – Police and animal agencies are on the scene of a
property near Melba after a case of animal hoarding was discovered
in Owyhee County.

Daren Martinez/KTVB

One of 15 wolves rescued from a property in Owyhee County Wednesday.

Nineteen wolves, seventeen bobcats, more than 60 house cats and
numerous dogs were living in deplorable conditions on property owned
by Sandy Knox.

Police say a wolf escaped from the woman's property last November
touching off a search effort the escaped animal.

Now authorities have made a deal with Knox to remove most of the
animals all but two wolves and two bobcats are being taken to a
temporary shelter. Authorities have been working for quite some time
to bring closure to the case.

The Idaho Humane Society, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Owyhee
County Sheriff, the Department of Agriculture and the Winchester,
Idaho Wolf Center are helping with the case.

The wolves were being kept in cages on the property, which can be
detrimental both mentally and physically since the animals
naturally roam free. They were underfed as the woman was only able
to throw scraps from a distance.

Authorities hoped to have all the animals removed by the end of the
day. They were being evaluated at a clinic set up at the Murphy-
Reynolds-Wilson Fire District building. The wolves will be
transported to the Winchester Wolf Center in North Idaho and to a
sanctuary in Florida.

Owyhee County Sheriff Gary Aman said the woman has owned the animals
for about 14 years but can no longer care for them because of
declining health. Under a deal worked out by authorities, the woman
will not face charges.

The bobcats will be transported to the Idaho Humane Society facility
in Boise.

Dogs, domestic cats and a goose will also be held by the Idaho Humane
Society for evaluation and treatment before being placed for
adoption.

http://www.king5.com/animals/news/stories/NW_042308IDB_animals_rescued_SW.9264d1aa.html

http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-apr2308-animals.91e18dd3.html

—
For the cats,

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457

http://www.BigCatRescue.org MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org

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