HSOY observes National Feral Cat Day with clinic

The Humane Society of Yuma and Planned Pethood are recognizing October 16th as National Feral Cat day. The observance was started by Alley Cat Allies, a national cat-advocacy organization, in 2001 to increase the awareness of the plight faced by stray and feral cats.

HSOY and Planned Pethood are observing National Feral Cat Day with a one day clinic on October 16th to alter 50 to 75 ferals. Arizona West Veterinary Clinic has donated the use of their clinic for the one day event. Veterinarians and staff from Arizona West Veterinary Clinic and Rio Colorado Equine are volunteering their time to assist in this event.

Planned Pethood, a local non-profit, has dedicated itself to the implementation of T.N.R. in Yuma. The Humane Society of Yuma assists and helps facilitate the spaying and neutering of cats within the Planned Pethood program.

"Just because we do not receive any government funding to handle cats, as the leading animal welfare organization we cannot wash our hands of the issue," said HSOY Director of Operations Annette Laganus.

As part of the TNR (trap-neuter-return) program, volunteers trap feral cats to have them spayed or neutered. Prior to being altered, the cats are tested for feline leukemia and F.I.V. After the surgery, each cat's ear is notched in order to easily identify feral cats that have not yet been sterilized.

The project is funded by Planned Pethood and the Humane Society of Yuma Thrift Store. All proceeds from the thrift store, located on the northeast corner of 4th Avenue and 24th Street behind Audio Einstein?s, goes towards low cost and feral cat spay and neuter programs.

Those interested in learning more or taking part in Planned Pethood's TNR program, contact 928-344-1518.