Oct 12, 2018 3 min read

When a police department finds an abused or neglected animal in the middle of the night, they call Cathy Cunningham.

“I’m the officer that gets called at 3 a.m. because there is no one else to call,” said Cunningham. “I’m the officer that gets called out on Christmas.”

As one of a handful of humane officers in Washington County, Cunningham enforces the state’s animal anti-cruelty laws.

“People abuse everything, not just dogs and cats – horses, cattle, reptiles, birds, goats, mules, you name it, people will abuse it,” she said.

Though she couldn’t say without consulting her books how much she spends yearly on the animals she assists, Cunningham said she spent “well over $3,000” in the past two weeks on vet bills, which is her largest expense, followed by gas.

“The county is big and I go from end to end. I could be in Charleroi, and have a call in West Finley and have to cross the county. Then I might get a call in Canonsburg and I’ve got to come back through,” she said. “The Humane Society, through no fault of their own, are only available during the day. Animal abuse doesn’t just happen during the day.”

Cunningham cares for the animals through her nonprofit CRICAAT, (pronounced “cricket”) which stands for Call and Report Inhumane Cruelty and Abuse of Animals Today. She started in 2008, she said, because of her love of animals and because it was needed.

She said she receives calls about animals every day. No matter the type of animal, Cunningham has their medical issues taken care of, then contacts someone from her network of rescue facilities for placement.

“It’s a lot of work. I’m tired, because I’m employed. I have a full-time job,” she said. “It’s a lot to deal with, sitting in vet hospitals. … Most of my animals that come to me are in trouble. It costs a lot of money. I depend on donations, just like other rescues.”

A group who recognized the amount of work Cunningham takes on have planned a fundraiser for CRICAAT.

“Everything she does is coming out of her pocket,” said organizer Cindy Fox. “We’re trying to help her pay some bills.”

A Dog Show Fall Festival benefitting CRICAAT will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Dog show categories will include costume, talent, owner/dog look-a-like, agility, smallest, largest and best in show. There also will be food, vendors, auctions, painting with your dog, a photo booth and duck pond.

“It’s a way to get people connected in Washington County, and have some fun, and maybe people will see how you should treat your animal,” said Fox.

Cunningham said she is grateful for the support.

“It is massive,” she said. “I am humbled. I am overwhelmed by these volunteers that are doing this for me and for the critters.”

For more information, visit the Facebook page C.R.I.C.A.A.T.

CRICAAT Dog Show

Washington County Fairgrounds

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday – dog show registration from 10:30 to 11:30

Categories include costume, talent, owner/dog look-a-like, agility, smallest, largest and best in show

Cost for adults is $10 for the first entry and $5 for additional categories; kids are $5 for the first entry and $2 for additional categories

Food, vendors, auctions, painting with your dog, duck pond and photo booth will also be available.

All dogs must have vaccines; rabies certificate needed upon entry; all dogs must be friendly