WEST RICHLAND, Wash. – West Richland Animal Control reports success with their “Control the Cats” initiative. The program aims to address the feral cat population in local neighborhoods.
Animal Control says the project has already prevented more than 96 homeless, sick, and dying kittens in the first target area.
West Richland neighborhoods have long struggled with feral cats causing issues in residents’ yards.
“The project has been successful. We have [caught] seven cats, all capable of breeding. There was five females and two males. And they have been ear-tipped, so you know which ones that we’ve already fixed. We’ve only recaught one,” said Marissa Adamson, West Richland Animal and Code Compliance Officer.
The program puts cat traps in select neighborhoods and aims to fix up to three feral cats each week. Dr. Menks Mobile Vet Care is partnering with Animal Control to assist with the procedures.
“Some of these cats need to be trapped. They’re definitely wild and feral,” Dr. Tanja Menks said. “They get ear-tipped so they can be recognized from afar that they’re spayed or neutered. Sometimes they have fleas or tapeworms, so we treat them for those things.”
The project is funded by donations from each target area, with the first area contributing around $800. Adamson emphasized the community’s involvement with the project.
“I believe we have $176 left for citizen donations in target area one,” Adamson said. “And I will keep fixing cats in that area to make sure that citizens’ money goes to a cat in their neighborhood.”
Adamson said feeding feral cats contributes to the problem by encouraging breeding and spreading disease.
More information about the program can be found here.
