– This is the very worst thing I have ever seen, says general manager Elisabeth Ellingsen in Animal Protection Norway, department Haugaland. She has worked for Animal Protection for 16 years. Now she is assisting the Norwegian Food Safety Authority in a case where several malnourished cats were notified in a home on Karmøy. She was inside the home herself last week and brought out several cats. – I get angry, frustrated and sorry for the animals. And it was so bad that I threw up when I got out, says Ellingsen. General manager Elisabeth Ellingsen in Animal Protection Norway, department Haugaland. Photo: Rosa Irén Villalobos / news A person lives in the house and rents it from a farmer. It was the farmer who first reported the case. – I reported the case to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority in spring 2021. Then I saw several cats in the windows. They didn’t seem to be doing well, says the farmer. He has also reported to the municipal superintendent in the municipality. Nothing has been done until now. The case has now been reported to the police by Animal Protection. This kitten had a serious eye disease. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has taken out cats The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has been inspecting the home this week. During this inspection, the last cats were also taken out of the home. – All the cats are assessed on the basis of domesticity and disease profile as to whether they can be relocated or euthanized, says head of department Kristin Lervåg in the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, department Haugaland and Sunnhordland. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority receives many such inquiries. Kristin Lervåg, department director in the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, department Haugaland and Sunnhordland. Photo: Private – We think that is very sad. And I understand that neighbors and others who witness this react. It is sad when animals suffer. If you take responsibility for animals, you must also be able to follow them up, says Lervåg. She says it is extra difficult when there are private animal farms. This is because the animal owner’s interests must also be safeguarded. – But the farmer already reported from spring 2021. Why has it taken so long? – We register all the messages we receive. I don’t know why this case has taken so long. But we always make an assessment in relation to the information we have. And then it also depends on what resources we have. This little kitten was already dead. The case may end with a verdict The police are now investigating the case in collaboration with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. – We take seriously all cases where animals suffer. We are now investigating together with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority to see what is the right reaction in this case, says police attorney Øyvind Bore in Sørvest police district. Police attorney Øyvind Bore at Sørvest police district. Photo: The police There are already several judgments in Norway where people have been sentenced for neglecting cats. Among other things, a farmer in Trøndelag was sentenced to prison for butchering more than 10 cats. The police do not rule out that this case could also end in a verdict. – But we haven’t come that far yet. First we have to investigate the matter. But it has become stricter. The Supreme Court indicates that it takes less to become criminally liable if someone runs irresponsible animal husbandry, says Bore. Elisabeth Ellingsen in Animal Protection estimates that more than half of the 35 cats they have taken out had to be euthanized by veterinarians. – That is why we must get a verdict in this case. For the sake of the poor animals. Here, there is actually an owner who has seen animals tortured to death. These are the survivors. They are also sick: these kittens are in an emergency shelter and are receiving medication. Photo: Rosa Irén Villalobos / news Sick, little kitten who can get well. Photo: Rosa Irén Villalobos / news One of the kittens that was dehydrated. Photo: Rosa Irén Villalobos / news This kitten is only a few weeks old. Photo: Rosa Irén Villalobos / news One of the larger kittens that must be medicated before it can be relocated. Photo: Rosa Irén Villalobos / news
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Dozens of cats found emaciated in houses – many already euthanized – news Rogaland – Local news, TV and radio
