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Stray Cat Population is Largest Animal Control Issue
May 14, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Fort Myers, Florida (5/14/07)-For many Floridians summer means vacations and relaxation. For animal shelter employees it means providing care for even more unwanted cats and litters of kittens. "Kitten season" runs from May to November in most parts of the country but longer periods of warm weather lengthen the breeding season in states like Florida. Last June Animal Services took in over 900 cats. In hopes of increasing the number of adoptions, Animal Services will proclaim June Adopt A Shelter Cat Month by reducing the cat adoption fee from $50 to $30 for the entire month. All adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations appropriate for the cat's age, flea treatment, worming, test for feline aids and leukemia, a nationally registered Microchip Pet ID, training DVD, and collar. This is an average value of $400 (not including the pet). Cats have become Lee County's largest animal control issue and Animal Services realizes this problem cannot be eliminated through adoptions alone. While un-sterilized cats roam they breed and increase the population by the hundreds of thousands here in Lee County. The number of homeless cats far exceeds the number of available homes. Therefore, the agency continues to encourage pet owners to sterilize their pets as the only effective solution to the problem. To address this problem on all economic levels, Animal Services now offers spay and neuter services to low-income pet owners through the agency's new mobile spay/neuter clinic, the "Spay Station." Owners with a financial need may have their pets sterilized for just $20. Owners receiving public assistance may receive the services free. In addition to the surgery, a rabies vaccination, county license, and microchip ID are also included if needed. To make an appointment, call 489-2353. Finally, Animal Services will continue its zero-tolerance policy for violations. Mandatory citations are issued to owners whose cats are found running at large (off the owner's property) and those that are unlicensed and unvaccinated. According to Lee County Ordinance 6-12 cats, like dogs, are prohibited from running at large and must have a current rabies vaccination and county license. For more information about adopting a shelter cat, spaying and neutering, or licensing laws call (239) 432-2083 or visit Lee County Animal Services' website at www.LeeLostPets.com. Pictures and descriptions of animals for adoption are available online. |