Brilliant Rescue Idea
I love ideas that are simple yet brillant – and here’s one. County animal shelters throughout GA bring in stray cats on a daily basis. Many of these cats are considered feral – meaning they are not socialized, therefore making it difficult or impossible to adopt out as a family pet. These are not cats who used to be someone’s pet – they are typically born outside in the woods or alleyways, and have had no interactions with humans. So when these feral cats are brought into the county animal shelters, most of the time they are euthanized. But the Gwinnett County Police Department’s Animal and Welfare Enforcement division just started a new program that would help save the lives of many of these feral cats and provide them with a new lease on life.
<See our article on Providing New Lease on Life for Aggressive Dogs>
Like I said, the program concept is simple. If there is anyone out there with a farm, stable, warehouse or barn and you are looking for a “green” way to naturally manage pests around your property, then a feral cat may be a great option. These cats are accustomed to and prefer to be outdoors, and they know how to hunt – helping to keep rodent populations around your property in check. The feral cat will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and considered in good health. The adoption process takes place through C.A.R.L (Companion Animal Rescue League) from Duluth, GA. Gwinnett is also opening up this program to other counties throughout GA.
Similar feral cat programs are offered through animal rescue groups in other states. But it’s reassuring to see how some counties are instituting this as an official program and as a method to dealing with the pet overpopulation issue.
If you are interested in learning more about this program please contact the following:
Companion Animal Rescue League (C.A.R.L.)
770-217-3699
Planned PEThood
678-561-3491
Do you know of any innovative or brilliant animal rescue programs in your area? Let us know, and we may write about it! We are always on the look-out for new ways to help save animal’s lives.
Photo: Courtesy of RichardBH via Flickr (CC by 2.0)