City Rescues Over 100 Neglected Cats From Parked Bus

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Following a multi-agency response on October 28, the City’s Animal Welfare Department (AWD) rescued more than 100 cats living inside and around a disabled school bus near the Loma Linda Community Center.

AWD brought the cats to its Westside Shelter for immediate emergency veterinary treatment for upper respiratory infections and eye issues. On November 4, the owner legally surrendered the animals, allowing AWD to begin preparing them for adoption.

To help handle the massive intake, partner organizations Animal Humane New Mexico and Española Humane stepped in recently, taking 37 of the cats for long-term recovery and eventual adoption. AWD is continuing to work with local rescue networks to find forever homes for the remaining felines.

“Rescuing over 100 animals at once is a huge lift, but our team handled it with care and professionalism,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This is a great reminder of how vital our shelters are to keeping our community and animals safe.”

Once medically cleared, the remaining cats will be available for adoption at both the Eastside and Westside shelters.

"Our primary focus from the start was getting these animals the emergency care they desperately needed,” said AWD Director Carolyn Ortega. “Thanks to our staff and network of partners, these cats are getting a second chance.”