TribLive reports that Animal Friends of Pittsburgh sent its mass rescue team to a residence in Carnegie, Allegheny County to save more than 60 cats after their Humane Investigations Department was notified of their location. 

The shelter’s Facebook page has since posted an update. “Since the cats arrived, our team has jumped into action to ensure that each of them receives lots of love and has a warm bed, food and the medical care that many of them so desperately need,” said Animal Friends on social media. 

The organization is asking for donations to help the rescued cats and other pets in the area on their Facebook page and website. “Each day, Animal Friends rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes companion animals while offering lifesaving programs, services and resources for the pets and people who need them most,” the site’s donation page reads. As of October 17th, Animal Friends raised nearly $1,700 through their Facebook page. 

Since its founding in 1943, Animal Friends has been rescuing and providing care for pets in the community for more than 75 years. Their mission statement listed on their website is “to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in crisis, ensure healthy pets through education, advocacy and affordable services, and inspire a community where the animal-human bond is celebrated and nurtured.”

In September, Animal Friends held their 25th annual Black Tie & Tails gala at the shelter’s 75-acre campus in Ohio Township, which board chair and event co-chair Sarah McKean says is “the biggest fundraiser of the year for us.” Four hundred and fifty pet people attended that night, and the event grossed a total of $774,000. 

“We couldn’t have a more beautiful evening and beautiful campus, thanks to Lux Creative and all of our volunteers and staff,” said executive director Kathleen Beaver.

Beaver also noted that while the fundraising helps, the organization still has important work to do. “However, our challenge to fund our humane investigations program and humane officers runs through the end of the month,” she said.

The organization used the event to showcase their rescued pets, especially their cats. “We are overflowing with cats right now,” said Bob Fragasso, an Animal Friends board member and a major donor for Animal Friends.

“The reason that my company and my family support Animal Friends is the wonderful work they do in the community,” he said. “It is a resource that can’t be replaced.”