Allegations of animal cruelty have emerged at Cypress College, centered on a colony of community cats living on campus. Recent social media posts and the blog Cats of Cypress College accuse college employees of harming these cats by depriving them of food and water and destroying water dishes. The blog, run by Stan Russell, claims cats in a maintenance facility parking lot are being harmed by employees, with one cat reportedly injured by a rake and later euthanized.
Cypress College President Scott Thayer addressed these allegations, stating, “Cats are not being killed on our campus,” and emphasized that any credible evidence of such acts would lead to disciplinary action. Thayer explained that the college has implemented a program to care for the cats, reducing their numbers through adoption efforts. The college collaborates with Orange County Animal Care and has adopted out several cats and kittens.
Thayer’s statement also noted that the college provides clean water for the cats but does not feed them, as feeding feral animals is prohibited by state law. The college’s program, designed in 2023, focuses on trapping, neutering, and adopting the cats. The Cypress Police Department has investigated the allegations but found no evidence to support claims of intentional harm.
Despite these reassurances, the controversy continues, with some community members and employees calling for further action to address the cat colonies. The college remains open to investigating any new information regarding the allegations.
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