These cats were abandoned. They deserve to be rescued, not killed.

More than 38 cats in Isanti County, Minnesota, are reportedly facing death as early as September 26, 2026, after being abandoned by former renters.

According to rescuers involved in the case, these animals were once indoor companion cats. They have spent approximately two months outdoors, suddenly forced to survive in an environment they were never prepared for.

They did not choose to be abandoned. They did not choose to become homeless. And they should not have to die because the humans responsible for them failed them.

Now, time is running out.

Rescuers report that the property where the cats have been living was sold while an animal welfare investigation involving Minnesota Federated Humane Societies, the Isanti County Sheriff's Office, and the Isanti County Attorney's Office remained open.

According to those involved in the rescue, the father of the new property owner has stated that the cats will be shot and their bodies made available to investigators.

Rescuers further report that an Isanti County deputy told them the property owner could legally shoot the cats, reportedly describing the animals as livestock.

We are calling for an immediate review of that interpretation and an urgent intervention to protect these animals.

Minnesota Statute § 343.20, subdivision 6, recognizes pets and companion animals, including stray pets and companion animals. Minnesota's animal cruelty laws also prohibit unjustifiable killing and abandonment.

These are not disposable animals. They are living, breathing companions who have already endured abandonment, hunger, fear, and uncertainty.

The rescue team reports that it has now vacated the property and that those involved have received cease-and-desist notices, leaving the remaining cats with even fewer opportunities for help.

We recognize the rights of property owners. However, we believe there must be a humane solution that protects those rights without unnecessarily ending the lives of dozens of abandoned animals.

WE ARE CALLING FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION
We respectfully urge the Isanti County Sheriff's Office, Isanti County Attorney's Office, Minnesota Federated Humane Societies, and all parties involved to:

Immediately prevent the planned shooting while the circumstances and applicable laws are reviewed.
Allow qualified animal rescue organizations to coordinate the humane trapping and removal of the remaining cats with lawful property access.
Arrange temporary shelter, veterinary evaluations, and opportunities for adoption or placement.
Provide a clear explanation of the legal authority being relied upon to justify killing these animals.
Ensure that the ongoing animal welfare investigation is completed and that relevant evidence is preserved without unnecessarily sacrificing the lives of surviving cats.
38+ LIVES. ONE CHANCE TO SAVE THEM.
Imagine being taken from the only home you have ever known, abandoned outdoors, and left to survive without understanding why.

Now imagine that, after surviving all of that, your life could end just as people are trying to save you.

That is the situation these cats are reportedly facing.

We are not asking anyone to ignore the law. We are asking those responsible to use every lawful means available to save these animals before it is too late.

These cats deserve food. They deserve shelter. They deserve veterinary care. Most importantly, they deserve the opportunity to live.

Please sign this petition and help us call for an immediate, humane resolution.

Abandonment should not become a death sentence.