Oakdale Animal Shelter Hit by Car,Cats Escape; One Fatality Reported
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OAKDALE,Calif. – A vehicle unexpectedly crashed into the Astro Foundation Animal Adoption center in Oakdale on Sunday afternoon, causing meaningful damage and triggering a search for escaped cats. The incident resulted in the tragic loss of one feline life and left the nonprofit organization grappling with over $35,000 in repair costs.
What Happened at the Astro Foundation?
According to Oakdale police reports, the driver of the vehicle experienced mechanical difficulties in the adoption center’s parking lot. While attempting to troubleshoot, the driver inadvertently accelerated instead of braking, sending the car crashing through the wall of the cat playroom. Fifteen cats were present in the playroom at the time of the incident.
“It almost sounded like a bomb went off,” stated Megan Scoullar, the Astro Foundation’s director of adoption services. No human injuries were reported, but one cat sustained critical injuries and was afterward euthanized.Georgina Retelas, the administrative director, described the loss as ”absolutely devastating.”
The Aftermath and Search Efforts
The crash created a significant debris field within the cat playroom. Six cats managed to escape through the breach in the wall. As of Monday morning, two cats had been recovered, and another was found hiding inside a cabinet by KCRA 3 news crew. The Astro Foundation is actively working to locate the remaining missing cats, distributing flyers throughout the surrounding neighborhoods and offering a $100 reward for their safe return.
Pro Tip: If you encounter a missing cat,avoid chasing it,as this can scare it further. rather, try to contain it safely and contact the Astro Foundation immediately.
Financial Impact and Community Support
The Astro Foundation, a nonprofit organization, faces a considerable financial burden due to the extensive damage. Scoullar emphasized that this setback is “massive” for the organization. Retelas added, “Our beautiful new building… This is like a second home for a lot of us-those that work here and those that volunteer. This is so close to our hearts.”
Key Incident Details
| Date | Location | Damage Estimate | Cats Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, August 18, 2024 | Astro Foundation Animal Adoption Center, Oakdale, CA | $35,000+ | 15 cats present; 1 fatality, 6 escaped (4 still missing as of Monday) |
Did You Know? Animal shelters frequently enough rely heavily on community donations and volunteer support to operate effectively. consider supporting your local shelter to help them continue their vital work.
Looking Ahead
The Astro Foundation is appealing to the public for assistance in locating the missing cats and rebuilding their facility. The organization’s dedication to animal welfare remains unwavering despite this challenging event. What steps can the community take to best support the Astro Foundation during this recovery period?
The incident highlights the potential vulnerabilities of animal shelters and the importance of driver safety. Are there preventative measures that could be implemented to mitigate similar risks in the future?
Animal shelter safety is a growing concern, with incidents ranging from natural disasters to accidental damage. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year . Investing in robust building security and emergency preparedness plans is crucial for protecting these vulnerable animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Astro Foundation doing to find the missing cats? They are distributing flyers and offering a $100 reward for information leading to their return.
- How can I donate to help the Astro Foundation? Information on donations can be found on their website or by contacting them directly.
- Was anyone injured in the car crash? Fortunately, no humans were injured, but one cat tragically died, and others escaped.
- What caused the car to crash into the building? Police persistent the driver accidentally hit the gas pedal rather of the brake.
- Is the Astro Foundation still accepting animals? Operations are temporarily disrupted,so it’s best to check their website for updates on intake procedures.
We hope for the swift and safe return of the remaining missing cats and extend our support to the Astro Foundation during this tough time. Please share this article to help spread awareness and aid in the recovery efforts.
