This writer has been taking care of some feral cats living here in Cheriton for the last few years. The count had been steady at around five, but that is now down to two. A few weeks ago, a kitten that had joined the group got very sick, and died within a day or so. It seemed odd—she was very healthy, fun, active and friendly. I couldn’t figure out what had taken her out so quickly. Then I became aware of other feral cat deaths down here, deaths that seem to indicate that someone is poisoning cats.
Below are just two accounts of abnormal cat deaths in Northampton County:
I have been taking care of the feral cat colony at Stingray’s Restaurant over the last 8 years sense I’ve been working there as a waitress. TNR (trap, neuter, release) rescuing sick kittens and having many tamed and adopted. I started a cat rescue Paws and Purrs in 2020 after relocating over 30 ferals to my neighborhood, having spayed and neutered and got the colony there to only 5 senior cats who have been there for many years. Just this year alone, several pregnant cats, kittens and other cats were dropped off, putting the colony back up to 30+ cats. I have recently started trapping again and trying to get kittens adopted. Last week I noticed a black cat ( whom had been vaccinated and spayed) laying on the ground shaking as she appeared to be having a seizure . When I picked her up, her belly was swollen, she was drooling and blood was coming out of her mouth and nose. Her breathing was very labored and she was lethargic. She passed away a few minutes later. I honestly didn’t know what to think other than maybe she got into something. The next day when I went out to feed, I had no idea what I would be walking into. My heart stopped when I saw them. Several laid out on the ground dead. Cuddled up and laying on top of each other. They all seem to have the same symptoms. Swollen belly , blood and liquid around them. I then knew instantly this had to be done intentional. 8 had passed away and their one was one still trying to hold on. Someone came and rushed them to the vet (while I was working) and the vet confirmed they had been poisoned. Over the years of their area not being cut, thorn vines and bushes grew around their houses and area. I didn’t see anything out in plan view so we decided to layer up with clothes and make our way through the thorns. In which we found rat poison poured around, a bag open of rat poison and bowls of rat poison and antifreeze. Shocked and in tears I then realized for sure that some sick bastard intentionally was killing my cats. I got rid of everything we could see and prayed no one else had gotten in to it. The next day 7 more had passed along with many ones that are still missing. I took home 2 kittens and one passed away. When I reported to animal control, they said I was the first to report and the first they heard of anything like this done. But as a cat lover and rescue I’ve had many report to me in the last couple months of many odd incidents, poisoned cats and abuse (sacrificing black cats) . My heart has been so broken over this disgusting tragedy for my cats and any other cats. I want so badly for this person to be caught and held responsible even if It takes all I got. I’m hoping as a community and getting the word out that we can catch whoever is doing this or at the very least scare them enough to know that we’re on to him/her/them to make them stop hurting these innocent animals. You don’t have to love them but let them be! They aren’t bothering or hurting anyone. I will continue to be their voice for as long as I live, they may not know yet, but they’ve messed with the wrong crazy cat lady!
This next account is from Amanda in Cheriton:
My name is Amanda. I don’t mind if you use it or not. I honestly have been trying to get it out for a while. My address is cherrystone rd in cape Charles (technically cheriton). Within 3 days, 3 of my cats were dead. Vet suspected antifreeze or some type of poisoning. From the first signs of symptoms, it was less than 24 hours before they would pass. I’ve since had 2 more die with the same symptoms. They stop eating, get really tired, and eventually become so weak their body just completely shuts down. It seemed quick but painful. They definitely suffered. And no matter how much I spent in vet bills, it wasn’t enough.
This is a serious crime. These Virginia statutes set forth Title 3.2, the Comprehensive Animal Care laws, which include the state’s anti-cruelty and animal fighting provisions. For the purposes of Sec. 3.2-6570, the operative animal cruelty law, the section has a misdemeanor animal cruelty law as well as a felony provision related to torture or willful infliction of cruelty.
We are not sure what would drive someone to do this, but the cause is not our concern, the effect is. There is really no sympathy for for this form of sociopathic depravity. This is apparently a police matter, yet with shootings, drive-bys, influx of harder drugs, the Sheriff’s Department and State Police have a full plate. In essence, this is a community matter, and come will or come may, this needs to be handled within the community.
About the Author
This is truly disturbing to hear. I would suggest setting up trail cams or something similar at these feral cat colonies so that the person responsible might be identified.
Trailer cameras are in use, have been for about a week now.
I for one agree with Kim. Those that continue to feed these FERAL creatures are responsible for the outcome. Anyone that can claim its “humanity “ to feed 50 cats needs help.
They aren’t just FERAL cats , I have them rescued, tamed and adopted, AGAIN , If you read the article you would see that. They aren’t just fed and left. Sorry I care about them, they aren’t just a balls of furr to me, they are living animals who deserve a chance and I try to give that to them. People like you that do nothing for the community always want to voice your opinion for NOTHING. Mind you business, you irreverent.
You need help on learning to be compassionate.
Despicable behavior undoubtedly from despicable people. If you don’t like animals, stay away from them; don’t kill them! They’re domestic, not wild or ferocious. You’ve taken someone’s pets – shame on you.
Uh, if they are “feral” cats, that means they live in the wild as wild animals.
So, if they’re wild, it doesn’t matter that they suffer a prolonged, painful death?
Uh, a feral cat is an unsocialized outdoor cat who has either never had any physical contact with humans, or human contact has diminished over enough time that she is no longer accustomed to it. Most feral cats are fearful of people . Please educate yourselves. I’ve tamed many “feral cats” that are now the best pets. Thank you
Their not Wild animals, maybe you are. Actually your just a heartless human. Wild animals have more knowledge then you it seems.
There you go Judging again…There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
We seriously try to work with the public offering affordable spay/neuter service. But unfortunately there are some nasty people out there as well.
Sharyl Cline had a colony of sweet cats on Townsend Road. They waited until she went into assisted living, even though she made provisions to feed them, they were all poisoned and disposed of. There are haters out there. Don’t know what can be done about it.
We need serious financial help and support to bring in more clinics to get a grip on overpopulation.
Cameras should definitely be placed in areas where cats are grouped. But I also understand that rescuers have most of their money tied up in feeding them as well as vet and spay/nuetering them all. It takes a very cruel and heartless person to kill innocent animals. This person or people have absolutely zero conscious and they are the most dangerous type of individuals.
Cameras are in use now
Seems to me that the proud cat lovers that foster this irresponsible breeding are the ones causing this problem. You live by the sword you die by the sword. If it wasn’t for the leftover free food at Stingrays by the one, that bunch wouldn’t be fed. What kind of real love and attention were they actually receiving? Someone is doing them (the cat’s) a favor, even though though methodologies are less than ideal.
Note: You seem nice (not really).
Ideally, “Kim” lives far away from our area. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a comment as stupid as hers. Lady, a prolonged, painful death by poisoning is no favor, and causing such a death is a felonious act in Virginia. It’s indicative of an area’s cultural, not to mention economic, poverty. Notwithstanding the attractiveness of Cape Charles, it’s part of Northampton County, the poorest county in Virginia by far.
Over the years, I have known a number of managers of areas sheltering neutered feral cats. To a person, they are conscientious and consistent in caring and feeding of these animals. Though a cat may be feral, it can still suffer. Anyone who actively alleviates animal suffering deserves commendation, as well as economic assistance to further his or her efforts.
May the person or persons who poisoned these animals, who were harming nobody, be caught and severely punished.
Foster and community cat care is not promoting the irrisponsible behavior of people. Its about feeding, vetting, TNR-ing and if at all possible adopting tbem to families who will love them and take care of them. Sometimes the latter is not an option due to hateful people harming tbem. Rehoming is then the last resort. Lora is trying to do the most heartfelt and responsible thing. Leave her be, and for God’s sake, leave the animals alone if you cant help.
Wow. It’s people like you that are the problem in this world not the cats!! And for you to make such a hateful comment when you have obviously no idea about anything! If you actually read the article, you would see that they cats are taken care of properly. THEY DONT JUST EAT SCRAPS FROM STINGRAYS! They have dry in the morning, wet 3 times a week because that’s all I can afford so they have scraps (leftover meats) for a “treat” I have rescued several from there 50+ and had them tamed and rescued and are now peoples pets that they love and adore. I’ve saved many from the feral life but some who grew up there loved their life there and are content. They get daily love from myself and if it weren’t for assholes like yourself, they wouldn’t be dropped off and abandoned cats left there for me to care for. You bringing negativity to the situation shows your character. The only reason the population is because of this and I WILL BE THE ONE TO FIX IT AND I WILL CONTINUE TO AS YOU SIT BACK AND BRING NEGATIVITY. Yes I am “the one” and sense you know so much, come see me at Stingrays!
I adopted one of Lora’s kittens 3yrs ago, and he is a great cat and he came from stingrays His name is Gibbs. Im a lover of all animals! I even feed possums lol Thanks Lora for all you do
You voted for Barry, Hillary, China Joe and Kamal-Toe…didn’t you?
Did you miss the part where it says cats are dumped or dropped off? Did you miss the part where these “cat owners” are active in their community where they trap, spay/neuter and release. Most of the time, spending their own money, that they work hard for. You’re ignorant and that’s unfortunate for you and others that are subjected to your tasteless comments.
If history, and local reportage are a guide, then we KNOW darn well it was PETA.
Puppies off porches, and cats out of carports.
A pox on PETA.
Poisoning appears to be happening in the Bayview area of Cheriton also. Affecting cats, opossums, raccoons, foxes, and birds.
The Eastern Shore of Va has a long his-story of killing cats/kittens…ask someone over 60 that will knows and will tell you the truth. The Mexicans fight roosters and the colored folks fight pit bulls…..Surprise!
Note: We are fully aware of the history and legacy of the true Eastern Shore.
and it still continues…
Not all Mexicans fight roosters and not “all colored people” fight pitbulls. What are we in the 1800s, you calling them “colored people!?” Judging others by the color of their skin. Y’all are really showing your true colors and ignorance at its finest. We can separate the good and bad people clearly on here. Disgusting. I’m so glad to be me! HAVING A HEART!
Racism is an Attitude that take place in one’s head.
Discrimination is an Overt act that takes place in the real world.
First they were negroes, then colored people, then blacks, now african-american. Really? Most of them could not point to the place in africa that their ancestors came from if given 15 minutes and $15,000.00 to get it right.
Every mammal on the face of the Earth uses color and shades of color to warn it of danger. The last time I checked Humans were mammals. We even judge fruit’s ripeness by it’s color. It seems you folks have been sold a bill of goods that just does not exist, except in you minds and on TV.
You say: ‘ Y’all are really showing your true colors and ignorance at its finest. We can separate the good and bad people clearly on here. Disgusting. ‘
I say: You are Judging who is Good or Bad here on this page for all to see. Better get that log out of your own eye before you point out the splinter in mine.
If only we had this much concern and passion for the poor and homeless people on the ESVA……..
Note: Really? Shut up.
If they had used teddy bears instead of live animals. there would not be so many unwanted ‘pets’.
Well if only I were super women I would care for everyone in need but unfortunately I’m not. I’m only ONE PERSON , who chooses to help animals in need and abandoned by heartless people. What I chose to do with my time and money is my choice. Let me ask you something… what are you doing to help the community? Anything?! Why don’t you help the homeless instead of bringing negativity to one’s who try to make a difference to someone, even if it is “just a cat in your eyes” their living beings with more heart than you. You also IRRELEVANT!
Your just as throwed off as Kanye West, name fits you well.
So Kanye West is ‘Throwed Off’ because he told the truth that ya’ll don’t wants to hear? lol
The truth is coming…you folks might as well embrace it.
For all of you people bashing my wife for doing the right thing come see me anytime, if you don’t have nothing positive to say stfu and stay off the article cause a lot of you obviously don’t understand what’s been going on. I will not put up with the disrespect to my wife. I said what I had to say
Good for you for supporting Laura. It is not easy to deal with the negativity.
I have had several rescue kittens who were happy and bouncy for 4 or 5 days. They stop eating then die the next day. The vets do not seem to know. They say it could be panleuk or even heart worm. They were not poisoned.
It is heart breaking.
So, what are you prepared to do about it?
I ain’t gotta do a damn thing to prove and show how ignorant some of y’all mfs are. Don’t take it there with me
You got issues. Find something useful to do instead of creating conflict.
Some of y’all are just.. WOW. SMH 🤦🏼♀️