It's a morning like any other at the animal shelter in Bochum, Germany. The carers are looking after their charges, filling bowls, changing litter, stroking excited dogs. Just routine. Until the shrill ring of a mobile phone breaks the usual calm.
On the other end of the line is Bochum council. They're asking the volunteers for help with an intervention at a squalid property. The urgency in the caller's voice suggests the worst. Without hesitation, the shelter mobilises all available forces. No one yet suspects that this intervention will be one of the most harrowing of their careers.
The door opens and the horror is immense
As soon as they enter the flat, an unbearable smell hits them. It's a mixture of ammonia, excrement and decomposition, biting and all-pervading.
Then the rescuers discover the full extent of the tragedy.
Cats everywhere. On the sofa, under the table, in the corners, perched on cupboards. Adult animals fleeing, frightened, some thin, others with matted coats. Little kittens huddled together. Several dogs as well. And all around them, rubbish, filth and chaos.
A horrifying toll
At the end of the rescue operation, one figure leaves even the most experienced animal rescuers speechless. Twenty-one adult cats, eleven youngsters and several dogs were found in the squalid property. Thirty-two animals in total.
"We set off with all available forces," explains the Bochum animal shelter. "No one could simply leave these animals there."
The shelter, already at maximum capacity, must now care for 115 cats, many of whom are ill or traumatised. Each one needs care, attention and, above all, time.
"We urgently need help"
The carers aren't hiding the reality. This operation has severely affected the shelter's finances. As a private organisation, it depends entirely on donations.
The appeal has been launched. Hygienic litter, quality wet food, financial help... everything is urgently needed. A detailed list of requirements is available on the shelter's website for those who wish to contribute.
Tears, anger and a great willingness to help
Under the Facebook post, reactions are pouring in. Anger, dismay, but also compassion. "How can anyone let something like this happen?" writes one user. Another immediately offers food donations. Within hours, the shelter is overwhelmed by a wave of solidarity, with many people wanting to help.
It's not yet known how long it will take for the animals to recover. But the carers are doing everything they can to offer them a new life worth living.
