Dead cats among nearly 100 animals recovered from Pima County non-profit rescue

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Nearly 100 animals, some dead, were recovered from a non-profit animal rescue in Pima County on Thursday, Dec. 19.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said it executed a search warrant at a home in the area of 14000 West Raindance Road for an animal neglect investigation.

The PCSD said 91 cats, a turtle, and a lizard were recovered from the property, which is listed as a non-profit for cats. According to its Facebook page, the non-profit is called Sheba’s Home.

At least four cats were dead, according to the PCSD.

The Pima Animal Care Center said a person affiliated with the non-profit notified them of possible neglect. Officials said they found poor living conditions and animals in need of medical help, which is what led to the quick action.

On Wednesday, Sheba’s Home posted to Facebook about an ongoing issue and asked the public to help raise money.

“We need your help! As you know we took in sick cats and dying cats. In (the) infinite wisdom of PACC they need to take all of our cats even our personal animals,” they wrote. “Their reason? They don’t think we can care for them. Well our vet with 40 years experience says we provide awesome care. We had some the personal animals 15 years.”

According to its website, the non-profit was created after the family took in a cat with leukemia named Sheba.

13 News spoke with Ari Martinez, who said she has volunteered at Sheba’s Home for years. She claims the report doesn’t make sense.

“I have not seen the animals neglected or not fed or not taken to the vet, that is just false,” Martinez said.

She said the animals were indeed in need of medical care, but said Sheba’s Home takes in sick pets all the time and gets them veterinary care.

Martinez said she trusts the rescue, and even let them take in one of her cars when she was unable to house it.

“If I didn’t it was a safe place they wouldn’t be there,” she said. “I would have demanded that they return the cat to me.”

PACC interim director Steve Kozachik said seizures of this size put a real strain on their resources.

“We’re fortunate to have such broad community support, ready to step in and help us relieve the capacity issues and avert any shelter health issues these events might otherwise cause,,” he said. “Based on our history, I’m confident of, and grateful to the many people who step up and help find homes for the pets we’re caring for each day. That is especially the case when impounds strain the operations.”

It was a situation PACC said isn’t uncommon.

“When there’s a hoarding situation, not this case, but generally, it’s not just a person who wants to have 50 or 60 animals in their home,” Kozachik said. “It’s somebody who, with the best of intentions, things simply got out of control.”

It is unclear if anyone will face criminal charges, but the PCSD said the investigation is ongoing.

The cats are not yet available for foster or adoption, but hundreds of others are. PACC said it had 494 dogs and 100 cats already in its shelter.

“When we bring in large numbers of animals, it adds to the stress of the animals who are already here in the shelter,” Kozachik said. “It’s an even more important time for people to come out here and adopt a cat or a dog from PACC.”

You can look at all the animals currently available for adoption or fostering at You can donate to PACC by going to https://www.pima.gov/2286/Donate

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