Twenty-one Sphynx cats were rescued this week after Henderson Animal Protection Services uncovered disturbing conditions at Sin City Sphynx, a cat breeding operation run by Shanti Cloonan. Investigators found many of the cats suffering from illnesses and physical deformities linked directly to how they were bred. "Many of the cats were found to be suffering from illnesses and physical abnormalities associated with breeding practices that raised animal welfare concerns," according to Henderson Animal Protection Services officials.

A judge has already ruled that Cloonan is unfit to care for these animals and handed their custody over to the City of Henderson, where the cats are now getting the veterinary treatment they desperately need before being placed up for adoption. But a court ruling alone isn't enough. Henderson officials are actively seeking out families who purchased cats from Cloonan or Sin City Sphynx and later watched their pets develop health problems — a sign this may not be an isolated case.

Breeders who prioritize profit over the wellbeing of the animals in their care put innocent creatures through needless suffering, and they put unsuspecting families through heartbreak and unexpected vet bills. Henderson has taken a first step by removing these 21 cats from harm's way. Now the City needs to follow through: permanently bar Shanti Cloonan and Sin City Sphynx from breeding or selling animals again, and make sure every family affected gets the support and accountability they deserve.

Animals cannot advocate for themselves. Sign this petition to demand the City of Henderson permanently ban Shanti Cloonan and Sin City Sphynx from future animal breeding — before more cats suffer the same fate.