Nearly 40 cats rescued from closed motel, HSPPR needs help

(PUEBLO, Colo.) — 38 cats were rescued by the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) after they were found inside one room of the Val U Stay Inn & Suites that was closed on Thursday, April 25. Unfortunately, one cat was found dead by HSPPR inside the same room, but its team is now doing what it can to treat the other cats and is making a call out to the community for help.

The motel located off Highway 50 and North Hudson Avenue was served a cease and desist order by the City of Pueblo on Thursday after it failed inspections for living conditions and had been operating without a lodging license for four months. Mayor Heather Graham described the conditions of the motel as unacceptable and worse than she imagined, as explained in our previous coverage which can be viewed in the video player below.

According to HSPPR, on Thursday, Animal Law Enforcement was called to the Val U Stay Inn & Suites after pets were found in several rooms of the hotel.

All of the 38 cats rescued were brought to HSPPR as they had nowhere else to go and HSPPR said many have since been surrendered to the shelter. HSPPR is evaluating the needs of all the animals involved and anticipates many will require medical care including; parasite and dental treatment, spay and neuter surgeries, and anything else they need to heal.

HSPPR said the resources involved in caring for the pets will be incredibly draining and is asking the public to help care for the cats and other pets in its shelters. HSPPR made a plea for donations on its Facebook page with a link to make an emergency donation.

“This is an incredibly devastating situation for our Pueblo community, and we want everyone to know that HSPPR is always here for you in a time of need. We are thinking of everyone involved and displaced. We stand #PuebloStrong with our community,” wrote HSPPR.