Cat Hoarder Raided

Today Big Cat Rescue got the call, asking us to rescue one of the momma cats who delivered three kittens right after the raid.
Posted on: June 5, 2013

Hillsborough Animal Services Confiscates 82 Cats In Riverview Hoarding Case Today (June 5)

Hillsborough County Animal Services responded to an anonymous complaint and found 82 cats living in deplorable conditions inside a trailer in Riverview. All of the cats have been confiscated as most of them sustained medical conditions and are being evaluated by County veterinarians. Two of the cats were humanely euthanized for acute suffering.

The owner, Eric Holmes, was cooperative, and charges are pending.

When Animal Services officials first arrived to the trailer at 10602 3rd St. in Riverview, they could see a number of cats in the windows. When officials approached the front door, their eyes burned. This prompted the trailer to be aerated before Animal Services officials could enter. The trailer has since been condemned.

To report animal neglect and cruelty, contact Hillsborough County Animal Services at 813-744-5660 or email info @ hillsboroughcounty.org.

Visitor Report

Visitors are not just a source of tour revenue. They are potential donors and Advocats helping us change the laws. In 2011 our visitor count was up 9% to a record 28,474. In 2012 it dropped 6%. This year it is back up strongly. We had a record February, a record March and a record May, and while April was not a new record, it was up strongly over last year. Through May we are up almost 20% over last year in visitors and up 6% in gift shop sales. This makes a very significant difference in our ability to do things like build the Vacation Rotation Enclosure and our continuing legal efforts to stop the cub petting. It also means a lot more work! More tours to give, more gift shop customers to serve.

It would be easy to see the quality of what we do slip with increased volume, but based on the reviews we get online, we have been very diligent about not letting that happen. Thank you so much for the dedication and hard work without which this would not be possible!