Fresno county's feral and unwanted cats have a voice. A new committee of individuals from various community organizations, businesses and interested individuals are meeting to address the out-of-control cat population in the valley.
Fresno county ranks third in the nation for the number of animals euthanized at the SPCA pound. 80 to 120 kittens are admitted daily to the shelter. Most of them will not be adopted. These statistics do not address the increasing numbers of unwanted, abandoned, stray, and feral cats in our county that do not make it to shelters or rescue facilities.
Contrary to myth, stray cats do not fare well in the streets, in overcrowded neighborhoods, in the foothills, or after being dropped off in parks or dumped in country fields. They are subject to disease, freezing winters and debilitating summers, poisoning, and starvation. They become prey to dogs, coyotes, other cats, and unsavory humans.
Much of the overpopulation problem is due to unchecked breeding. One cat can have 5 litters a year. "One mom cat and her litter, left unaltered, can be responsible for 420,000 cats in a 7 year period," according to Janice Rozzano, President 'Not So' Purrrfect Angels (a non-profit humane organization and sanctuary for felines).
The citizens action committee is developing a comprehensive program that will encompass the following elements: public education, catch and release, spay and neuter, trap and relocate, rescue and adoption of the growing unwanted and feral cat population in Fresno county. This group will eventually reach out to seniors, the economically disadvantaged, the disabled, and residents in remote areas.
What and who is needed - volunteers to assist in trap and release, with transportation to and from veterinary appointments. People to create written material - pamphlets, flyers, forms and help in disseminating these when and where needed. People to canvass neighborhoods prior to catch and release, going door-to-door, apprising those living in the area what will be done, why and how they can help. People to solicit veterinary hospitals and offices for low-cost spay and neuter services. People to contact pet supply stores for donations of humane traps, pet carriers and heavy gloves. People to contact shelters, rescue groups, ranches, and dairies for possible re-homing.
Should you wish to volunteer, if you are interested in learning more please contact Janice at 559-255-1415.
If you would like to attend the committee's next meeting, it is being held at the Valley Animal Center at 2:00 PM on September 12th and everyone is invited to attend and share their stories, etc.
The Valley Animal Center is located at 3934 N. Hayston (Between Cedar & Maple, off of Dakota) Fresno, CA 93712
Comments
Thanks for writing this article. Third in the nation? I had no idea. The domestic animal overpopulation problem in the Central Valley is appalling and heartbreaking. I know there are people and organizations making a valiant effort to combat this problem, but raising awareness is so important. Thank you again.
Thank you, Nancy, for your post! I don't think our ranking in the nation is widely publicized, perhaps because it is so heartbreaking. But it is a problem that needs to be addressed. Only through public education and outreach can our valley begin to reduce the numbers of Fresno's unwanted and feral cats. Awareness and action is the cure for the valley's epidemic of feline overpopulation.
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