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LOLLYPOP FARM MOBILIZES TO HELP COMMUNITY MEMBER WHO HAD BEEN CARING FOR MORE THAN 50 CATS

FAIRPORT, N.Y. – For more than 152 years, Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, has been a trusted resource for the Greater Rochester community, helping people and animals navigate difficult circumstances with compassion, expertise, and care. On Tuesday, that role was on full display as teams from across the organization came together to assist a community member who had been caring for more than 50 cats and recognized that changing circumstances had made it no longer possible to provide a suitable environment for them. Facing housing insecurity, the individual proactively reached out to Lollypop Farm for help before the situation became unsafe, working collaboratively with our team to develop a plan that would provide the cats with the care they need.

A total of 55 cats were humanely removed from the home and transported to Lollypop Farm, where they are receiving comprehensive veterinary evaluations and ongoing care. Due to the scale and complexity of the operation, Lollypop Farm activated its Animal Emergency Response Team to assist with the safe handling of animals, documentation of conditions, and coordination of transportation and sheltering efforts.

“Our community should know that when circumstances change and someone is struggling to care for the animals they love, Lollypop Farm is here to help,” said Erin Sandle, Lollypop Farm’s Director of Admissions and Community Resources. “Reaching out for help is an important first step, and we want people to know they can turn to us before a difficult situation becomes a crisis. Our role is not only to care for animals, but to be a trusted partner for the people and communities we serve. In this case, that meant listening, working together and creating a safe path forward for these cats.”

Community support plays a critical role in making this work possible. Large-scale responses like this place immediate and ongoing demands on staffing, veterinary care, and shelter capacity. While the cats are not currently available for adoption, community members can have a direct impact on their care by donating supplies, including food, blankets, toys, and more.

For those looking to make an impact in another way, Lollypop Farm also offers a comprehensive foster program. This initiative creates much-needed space within the shelter and allows community members to temporarily provide a safe, nurturing environment for animals in need. All necessary supplies, veterinary care, and support are provided by Lollypop Farm. If you’re interested in becoming a temporary foster care provider, complete the registration form.

When activated, Lollypop Farm’s Animal Emergency Response Team works alongside local emergency responders to assist in situations ranging from structure fires and natural disasters to hoarding cases and large-scale cruelty investigations. The team brings together staff from humane law enforcement, veterinary services, shelter operations, and farm and equine care to provide a coordinated, professional response when animals and their caregivers are in crisis or facing difficult changes.

About Lollypop Farm

Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. Lollypop Farm is committed to creating a just and compassionate world for all animals. Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care. With its main campus in Fairport and a satellite adoption center in Greece Ridge Mall, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent, nonprofit organization supported through donations and program fees. For more information and to meet current animals available for adoption, please visit www.lollypop.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

About Kindness for All Kind

Construction is underway on Lollypop Farm’s Kindness for All Kind project! Together, we’re building a brighter future for animals and the people who care for them throughout the Greater Rochester area and beyond. This visionary project will create a safe haven for animals in need, offer compassion to those seeking help, and provide unwavering support to the community and caregivers who make second chances possible every day.

Kindness for All Kind will enhance our abilities to care for animals and serve our community. The innovative project includes a new Animal Intake Center, enhanced Dog Holding Facilities, a community-focused Welcome Center, the Karpus Family Foundation Learning Center, expanded farm facilities, a modernized Maintenance Barn, and a Donations and Support Center to meet the growing needs of Lollypop Farm and the community. To learn more about Kindness for All Kind, including how you can support this generational investment in compassion and community, visit lollypop.org/kindness or contact Cathie Wright, Vice President of Donor Relations, at (585) 223-1330 ext. 245 or at wright@lollypop.org.

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