On August 17, a car crashed through the walls of the ASTRO Foundation animal rescue in Oakdale, California — killing one cat, injuring others, and sending several more fleeing into the streets.

The driver accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake, sending the car directly into the rescue’s community cat room, where a volunteer and 15 cats had been just moments earlier.

It was a tragedy — and a near-miracle that more lives weren’t lost.

The ASTRO Foundation is a vital part of the Oakdale area.

Since 2012, they’ve rescued thousands of animals, offered low-cost spay/neuter services, run a community food pantry for pets, and provided a cage-free, welcoming environment for cats and dogs awaiting adoption. This crash destroyed their only free-roaming cat space — a room that helped socialize cats and connect them with loving families.

Now ASTRO is struggling to recover. Insurance coverage is still uncertain. Foster families are urgently needed. And without community support, the long-term impact of this crash could affect their ability to keep saving lives.

We are calling on the City of Oakdale Mayor and City Council to establish or designate emergency relief funds for nonprofit animal rescues impacted by disaster or physical damage.

Work with ASTRO to identify short-term support for facility repairs, medical care, and lost resources
Publicly recognize the foundation’s service to the community and offer logistical support as needed.
 

This is about more than one building. It’s about showing up for an organization that has spent over a decade showing up for animals and the families who love them.