Homes Needed for Two Cats Pulled From Collinsville Apartment

Permanent homes are still needed for two cats pulled from a Collinsville apartment last week, the town's animal control officer said.

One animal is a grayish Siamese mix cat and the other an orange tabby, said Beverly LaPlume, animal control officer for Avon and Canton.

LaPlume said she can't handle the cat adoptions, but anyone interested can call her at 860-409-4205 and she can put them in touch with the caretakers.

The animals are just two taken from 14 Center St. in Collinsville last week. Jessica Yazmer, 28, of 14 Center St., was cited with cruelty to animals after 40 dogs and about four cats were found in the apartment, following a call about a dog fight, police said.

The dogs were initially brought to and in Canton. It didn't take long to find homes for some of the puppies at Roaring Brook.

"Several of the puppies have already been adopted out," LaPlume said.

Almost immediately, however, LaPlume and the kennel were overwhelmed with calls, so the adult dogs at Cherry Brook Kennels and any remaining puppies will be adopted through the Simon Foundation in Bloomfield.

People need to go on the organization's website to find out about adoption events and pre-register, LaPlume said. Some of the dogs are already being listed on the site as well, she said.

The dogs were found in dirty conditions, many lacking water and living in their own feces, police said.

Some are still being treated for conditions like worms and some of the adults may have parvo, a common canine virus, LaPlume said.

Yazmer ran a rescue operation, which has been criticized by many after photos were released. But several past clients and friends argue  that she saved the lives of many dogs brought up from the south, took on too much and got overwhelmed in trying to save too many.

All of the dogs pulled from the home survived, and in the end, they will find good homes, which was everyone's goal, LaPlume said. 

LaPlume also said she appreciates the community's help.

Area residents can still help with future efforts by contributing to a Waggin' for Wheels Fund to get a new animal control vehicle. The current 1998 Ford Windstar LaPlume is driving has needed more than $8,000 in repairs to date. Her goal is to raise enough for a 2011 Dodge Caravan, which Mitchell Auto Group is locating for a discounted price of $20,000. So far about $9,000 has been raised. 

Donations can be sent to:

Town of Avon/Waggin' for Wheels
Attn: Lt. Kelly Walsh
Avon Police Department
60 West Main St.
Avon, CT 06001