Heartland Animal Rescue in Rapid City, S.D., is facing a critical situation as two more kittens have died while volunteers care for dozens of cats and kittens saved from a hoarding case in Belle Fourche. The organization reported that the kittens, suffering from severe eye infections and upper respiratory infections, succumbed despite receiving antibiotics, eye medications, and around-the-clock treatment.
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This loss follows a rescue operation initiated by a state agency, which called Heartland Animal Rescue to help remove the cats. Initially, volunteers retrieved 31 kittens from seven litters, along with multiple mother cats. Many of these mothers were severely malnourished and unable to nurse their kittens effectively. To counteract this, volunteers have been feeding the mothers high-protein kitten food and supplementing the litters with kitten milk replacer under veterinary supervision.
Several kittens are still receiving treatment for serious medical issues, including eye infections, upper respiratory infections, ear mites, and skin rashes. Notably, one kitten has a neurological disorder, while another lost two legs due to entanglement in its umbilical cord at birth.
On a positive note, a mother cat that lost her entire litter to a uterine infection is recovering well after returning from veterinary care. Volunteers also managed to capture a previously elusive mother cat, nicknamed the “cabinet cat,” along with her three surviving newborn kittens, which have since been placed in foster care.
Heartland Animal Rescue has initiated spaying and neutering of adult cats to prevent further litters. Recently, six cats underwent surgery at the Animal Care Center in Spearfish, with more procedures planned at Noah’s Ark Animal Hospital in Rapid City. Sturgis Veterinary Hospital is organizing a larger surgery day, while Faith Veterinary Clinic will assist with any remaining cats captured later.
Various organizations have collaborated in this rescue effort, including the West River Spay & Neuter Coalition for sterilization coordination, Oglala Pet Project for donating rabies vaccinations, and Twin City Animal Shelter for providing carriers and crates for transport and care. The Belle Fourche Veterinary Clinic has also contributed by treating the most urgent medical cases.
Heartland Animal Rescue continues to seek foster homes, financial donations, and supplies to support the care of the remaining cats and kittens. Their most pressing needs include kitten milk replacer and wet or dry kitten food. Financial contributions can be mailed to Heartland Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 73, Nisland, SD 57762. Community support remains vital for the recovery and eventual adoption of the rescued animals.