By Lucky Kidd
NICKERSON, Kan. — 41 cats, five dogs, two chinchillas and one rabbit have been seized by Reno County Sheriff’s Deputies from a residence in Nickerson and are currently being housed in four area shelters.
Reno County Sheriff’s Captain Steve Lutz said deputies went to the residence the evening of April 11th on a “check animal welfare” report. On arrival deputies found several dogs, cats and other animals inside the house, and were not able to contact anyone inside. Family members of the occupants were contacted in an attempt to find the residents.
In the meantime Deputies began working with the Reno County District Attorney’s Office, the Humane Society of the United States, and area shelters to arrange placement for the animals when the time came. Eventually a person came out of the home, was contacted by deputies, and a search warrant was served with assistance from the Hutchinson Animal Shelter.
All of the animals recovered are being treated for upper respiratory sickness and being evaluated for other illnesses. It was also found some of the animals had been microchipped, and the owners of those animals are being contacted and advised of their location. At this time none of the animals seized will be available for adoption until they are healthy.
Captain Lutz said if you feel you are missing an animal from Nickerson and think one of these might be yours, contact the shelters housing them and let them know what you’re looking for. If they have something close, you will need photos to identify your animal.
Details of the situation have been sent to the District Attorney’s Office for review.
Locations of animals that were found in Nickerson are as follows:
Hutchinson Animal Shelter – 1 dog, 20 cats
Kingman Animal Shelter – 4 dogs, 2 chinchillas, 1 rabbit
Golden Belt Humane Society in Great Bend – 13 cats
Pratt Area Humane Society – 8 cats
