20 "Capitol Cats" arrive for adoption in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Dakin Humane Society in Springfield welcomed nearly two dozen "Capitol Cats" from Washington, DC Friday night.

20 cats and kittens, ranging in age from two months to five years old, arrived at the Dakin Humane Society on Union Street.

Humane Society Spokeswoman Candy Lash told 22News, "Our first priority is always our local animals.  But we have an abundance of space here.  And we have wonderful adopters who come in and make room for other kitties who need help."

Lash said they had a chance to save some cats and they just had to do it.

"There are some areas of the country where the euthanasia rate for cats and kittens is 90%.   That is just unacceptable to us, and in the northeast we don't see that anymore, so we're delighted to be able to help these 20," said Lash.

The D-C cats and kittens that arrived in Springfield Friday night will be available for adoption as soon as Tuesday.  They must all first undergo a mandatory 48-hour quarantine, and then get checked out by a veterinarian.

The humane society posts pictures of the cats, dogs and small animals available for adoption on their website at http://www.dpvhs.org/adoptacat/