Why Does the Adoption Process Take So Long for Formerly Abused Pets?

High profile animal abuse cases get the public's attention, and people sometimes wonder why rescuers cannot just provide a loving home for the animals.

The SPCA Tampa Bay has received a steady stream of phone calls and emails from people interested in adopting the three surviving kittens that were found in a freezer in St. Petersburg on Dec. 2. But the kittens are not yet available for adoption. It's not because of the kittens' health, but because of the legal process that must be followed, said Nora Hawkins of the SPCA. The SPCA Tampa Bay typically serves as the advocate for the animals in such cases. "Animals are helpless; they are totally dependent on their owners for care ... There's a public outrage when pets and innocents are battered and abused," said Jim Helinger, attorney for the SPCA Tampa Bay. The process typically starts when the SPCA Tampa Bay gets a phone call to assist …

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Three Kittens Found in Freezer are Recovering in Largo

The three surviving kittens found in a St. Petersburg freezer were transported to Largo for medical care and are doing fine, according to officials.

Three kittens found in a St. Petersburg freezer are now recovering in Largo at the SPCA Tampa Bay and are "doing fine," officials said Tuesday. The kittens have not yet been released for adoption, according to the SPCA. A woman who was visiting a St. Petersburg home Sunday reportedly found four kittens wrapped in sandwich bags in the freezer. Following an altercation with the homeowner, the woman went home and called the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded and found three male, orange-and-white kittens "alive and meowing" but shivering and infested with fleas. A fourth was unresponsive and later died. The three surviving kittens were taken to Largo for medical care. According to the SPCA, the six-week-old kittens are doing…

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Rescue Pet of the Week

Spunky Spencer Seeks a Home

Meet Spencer and friends at SPCA Tampa Bay!

Meet Spencer! At 2 months old he is an adorable, clumsy, tiny little fuzzy kitten. He is full of spunk and love, and excellent combination! He is a riot to watch pounce around his kennel, tossing his toys from one corner to the next. It is impossible to resist the pure joy this little guy brings to anyone who may stop to watch him. He is quite the character! He is just one of the many sweet little kittens we have here with us, tell your friends and come to SPCA Tampa Bay to adopt a sweet kitten who will surely bring joy into your home! Kitten adoption fee is $60, fee includes spay/neuter surgery, all current vaccinations, 30-Day Pet Insurance, and your new best friend! We are located at 130th Avenue N in Largo or online Spcatampabay.org

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Rescue Pet of the Week

Cats Play Together and Hope to Stay Together

The young pair of felines hopes for a furever home together.

Meet Balto and Fluffy. These are two very sweet boys! They are brothers and have spent their whole lives together, so they are looking to be adopted together. Balto and Fluffy are 1 year old and have many years of love ahead of them. They love to play together as well as cuddle with each other and in the lap of their human.  Adopt them together for only $40! Adoption fee includes: neuter surgeries, all up to date vaccinations, microchip, 30-Days of Pet Insurance and a bag a Hill’s Science Diet cat food. Still need Kitty supplies? We have all you need at our Homeward Bound Gift Shop where all proceeds go back to the animals! Adopt Balto and Fluffy today at SPCA Tampa Bay located at 9099 130th Avenue South in Largo. SPCATampaBay.org 

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