To the Editor:

I am writing in reference to the current happenings with Happy Cat Rescue and the report that aired on the news.

I have been following Happy Cat Rescue for as long as I’ve been volunteering in shelters. I often saw this rescue at various adoption clinics. The cats were healthy and well kept. I began following Happy Cat Rescue on Facebook. I would see many cats adopted with their families. These cats always looked healthy.  

What really impressed me about Happy Cat was its acceptance of cats other places wouldn’t. People would come to me in desperation, asking where they could take a kitten or cat found on the street often in rough shape. I would direct them to Marcia Scott and they were never turned away. Happy Cat served the community by taking in the cats that otherwise would die on the street.

Yes, the cats were in cages. All shelters utilize cages. I prefer to see a cat (or dog) in a shelter rather than out in the cold many times being abused by people or under attack from wild animals.

The report mentioned unclean cages with no food or water. Before cages are cleaned, they look messy.  Cats spill their water. They will have an empty food bowl. I would expect nothing different than what was found since the volunteer working was only half-finished that day.

Rescue is not always pretty. Cats are abandoned or dropped off all the time. There will never be a lack of cats who need help. They come to you with viruses and issues from stress and the outside elements.  Happy Cat Rescue had many fundraisers when a cat was brought to them with needs. Again I am not surprised there were cats that required medical attention.

As with any organization, there will always be someone who goes away with negative feelings.  People are passionate over animals and suddenly become experts. When the rescue doesn’t agree, negativity starts and often ends with the person starting another rescue.

The Scotts’ house being referred to as a “House of Horror” was disgraceful. I often saw photos of Chuck bottle-feeding the smallest kitten. Marcia always responded to me with deep compassion for a cat in need.

This was not a  case of “torture.” Someone had it out for this rescue and unfortunately the authorities failed terribly in their assessment. I am thankful for the many people who supported the Scotts with letters, including the veterinarian whom they used. That says something about the Scott’s reputation right there.

Paula Walker

Central Bridge