Amid recent protests, the Maui Humane Society says someone busted open a cat pod that was sheltering 10 Lahaina fire cats. All of these cats were unsocialized and unfamiliar with the area where they have now been released.
It’s a bizarre setback as rescuers attempt to save as many pets as possible. Recently, authorities have allowed more access in the restricted Lahaina burn zone. As a result, more heartwarming reunions may be coming!
But on this morning, rescuers arrived for work and found a cat pod broken open. All the cats had run away, back to the very dangers they were rescued from.
“As the sun rose this morning, our staff were shocked to find that one of our new cat pods housing 10 unsocialized Lahaina fire cats had been broken into. The wooden security door brace, meant to keep cats from opening the door, had been forced open and snapped off. All of the cats had vanished,” shared Maui Humane Society.
Images via Facebook/Maui Humane Society
Lahaina Fire Cats Need Rescuing Twice
How could someone in the community do something to harm Lahaina fire cats? Now, the rescuers are trying to catch them again. But cats remember their experience in humane traps and may try to avoid them the next time.
“Although we have seen random protestors in front of the shelter, it’s extremely disappointing that someone in our community would take action to intentionally harm animals in a place that’s supposed to be safe for them. These cats have been traumatized and were resourceful enough to survive the fire, but have now been released into an environment they’re not familiar with,” they stated.
Hundreds of Animals Rescued So Far
Now, on top of everything else, the rescuers have to padlock cat housing, install security cameras, and work with police. An eyewitness saw someone of interest at 5 in the morning, and they are asking for help finding the perpetrators.
“We are working on an aggressive timeline to rescue more cats from Lahaina, and we will not let this slow us down. We’ve recovered more than 700 animals after the fire, reunited 135 lost fire pets with their families and are caring for over 250 additional fire cats. If you have any information about this incident, please contact Maui Police Department,” they said.
Heartbroken Protestors
Understandably, some residents are protesting, pushing authorities and rescuers to save their lost animals. A reunion with pets can mean everything, especially after losing so much.
Protestors want the rescuers to go into the burn zone now. Image via YouTube/KITV
Fortunately, sightings of surviving animals continue, giving hope there will soon be many more reunions. But it’s been two months since the fires started in early August, and hope is fading. A group called “Save Lahaina Pets” believes as many as 500 animals may still be alive in the burn zone. So, they want rescuers to be go in ASAP.
“There are small non-profits also getting animals from the burn zone, which is nice. However, now we have all these animals scattered, which makes it harder for owners to find their babies. Maui Humane Society should be doing it and keeping them all nearby,” said Dr. Terry Restivo, protest organizer,” reported KITV.
Video via KITV about Save Lahaina Pets:
Frustrating Delays and Curfews
As we’ve seen, the rescuers are slowly gaining access to more of the burn zones. After working long days into the night, rescuers are doing their utmost to save every animal possible. As with the fires cats in California, rescuers have been deeply frustrated when they can’t gain access to burn zones. Meanwhile, authorities want to keep people safe from many real hazards like toxic ash and structures that collapse.
Recently, curfews have extended later into the night when the cats finally come out of hiding. However, the protestors are demanding the curfews be extended further or eliminated.
Another major concern is the demolition of burned structures is about to begin. Cleanup efforts involved potentially toxic chemicals that could sicken animals or people if exposed. Additionally, many of the Lahaina fire cats require intensive daily care for months and need long-term housing.
As we’ve seen, the Maui Humane Society is sharing more reunions as they are still finding more Lahaina fire cats in the burn zone. Their stories are healing the hearts of families, the community, and thousands of others across the world.
We’re rooting for the rescuers, the community, and each one of the Lahaina fire cats and dogs. Everyone wants families reunited with their beloved pets as soon as possible!
You can see more about the ongoing efforts on the Maui Humane Society’s n Facebook and Instagram.
Video by KITV about the recent protests:
Featured image: Maui Humane Society/Facebook and screenshot via YouTube/KITV
