Alley Cat Rescue, a group based in Mt. Rainier, Md., will host its second annual Free Feral Cat Spay Day next Wednesday, April 27. On that day, Alley Cat Rescue encourages veterinarians across the country and around the world to offer free spaying or neutering services for feral cats.
“The premise behind … Free Feral Cat Spay Day is to build and strengthen relationships between the public and the veterinary community,” said Denise Hilton of Alley Cat Rescue. Cat overpopulation and homelessness is a problem that can only be solved with the help of veterinarians, Hilton further said, but unfortunately many vets do not offer sterilization or other services for feral cats. It is hoped that by sterilizing feral or community cats in a practice known as “trap-neuter-return,” fewer unwanted kittens will be born and fewer homeless cats will be euthanized in overburdened shelters. Alley Cat Rescue is asking veterinarians to participate by offering at least two free spays or neuters of feral cats on April 27.
In 2010, over 150 veterinary clinics in 17 states participated in Free Feral Cat Spay Day, sterilizing over 200 cats. Clinics in South Africa and Canada also participated by offering free or reduced-cost services for feral cats. So far this year, over 280 clinics have signed on. To learn more, visit Alley Cat Rescue’s website or e-mail Denise Hilton.
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