Resident at odds with Tipton Co shelter

TIPTON COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) - A Tipton County man claims the local humane society is anything but humane.

Jack Porter says the local shelter is more like a shack, and the animals inside are living in squalid conditions. So, 24-Hour News 8 decided to investigate and turned up at the shelter unannounced.

The Tipton County Humane Society building sits in an industrial area. "No Trespassing" signs are posted on the building.

Porter complains the shelter is poorly run and the cats living inside are not being cared for properly.

During a visit, he took pictures of the facility that he posted on Facebook. They show overgrown weeds outside the building. One photo shows an outside food dish sitting in a water dish filled with green algae. Pictures of the inside the building, show it has interior walls, only wooden framing. And there's no air conditioning.

"I was appalled. The stench of cat urine being circulated around by one fan. There's no electricity other than an extension cord running through one of the windows. I don't think the citizens of Tipton want to be associated with that building and the people running it" said Porter.

Sandy McAvoy is in charge of the humane society. When 24-Hour News 8 asked to go see the facility she said she had nothing to hide and took us on a tour.

Outside, the weeds were gone and the bowl where the algae had been was clean and had fresh water.

Inside we found a half dozen, apparently healthy cats living in clean conditions with food, water and litter boxes. While animals live here, McAvoy says the building is used for storage. No Humane Society business is conducted inside.

As far as the cats and kittens living inside "They are here. They are safe, clean, well cared for, loved. Hopefully, they will find a home soon" said McAvoy.

As far as the no trespassing signs, McAvoy says she put them up to deter crime. She says in the past thieves stole some dog cages.