PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Controversy was brewing at a commissioners' meeting in Luzerne County after several cat shelters in the area were vandalized.
Nestled in a quiet patch of land, wooden shelters have been a lifeline for abandoned and feral cats seeking refuge from the cold. But now, those shelters are damaged and people are demanding answers.
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"To take the shelter away, it was 11 degrees when the shelters were destroyed and now they can't be fed and I'm hoping to get this ordinance changed," said Brenda Buckler, President of Whiskers World, a volunteer-based animal rescue.
With the damage comes a bigger question: do these shelters even have a right to be here? According to Plains Township Commissioners, the land these shelters sit on was purchased by FEMA following the 2011 flood. The land is now considered public land after being handed over to the township later on, meaning nothing can be built upon it.
"We're going to have to look into some ordinances, add some teeth to things, and you know just really get some clarity as to what people can or can't do with cats," explained Thomas Shubilla, Plains Township Commissioner.
We spoke to activists who say they won't stop fighting to rebuild. But until the legal questions are answered, the future of these makeshift animal homes remains uncertain.
"They have nothing right now with which to stay warm. These cats are used to being cared for, they're used to being fed. They're used to the shelters, they're coming back to this area looking for the people who take care of them," voiced Michelle Demich, Director of Rescue Warriors Cat Rescue.
Plains Township Chief of Police tells us a summary offense for criminal mischief has been filed against the individual he believes is responsible for the damage to the shelters.
Officials say it's unclear exactly where and when the shelters can be rebuilt.
