The Dutchess County SPCA will hold Spay Day on February 28, 2012 at 17 locations throughout Dutchess County. The day-long event is a collaboration among 16 local veterinarians and the medical team of the Dutchess County SPCA to provide about 100 free spay/neuter surgeries for feral cats. People managing feral cat colonies can call the Dutchess County SPCA to make appointments for the cats in their care.
The public is invited to attend a presentation at 4 p.m. at the shelter in Hyde Park. Speakers from the Dutchess County SPCA and other rescue groups will present information on Trap/Neuter/Return programs and how people can help address cat overpopulation.
The participating Veterinarian clinics are A.C.E. Veterinary Hospital, ARK Animal Hospital, Arlington Animal Hospital, Beekman Animal Hospital, Billings Animal Hospital, Companion Pet Hospital of Fishkill, Compassion Veterinary Hospital, Country Comfort Animal Hospital, Countryside Animal Hospital, Dutchess Animal Clinic, Dutchess County Animal Hospital, Harlem Valley Animal Clinic, Dr. Elizabeth Higgins, Mid-Hudson Animal Hospital, Pleasant Valley Animal Hospital, Rhinebeck Animal Hospital, Valley Veterinary Hospital.
Cat overpopulation is a quality of life issue for the cats and for the community. Since the economic downturn began in late 2008, the Dutchess County SPCA has twice reached an overwhelming 450 cats at the shelter. DCSPCA officials report that the cat population is spiraling upwards as more people find themselves unable to afford spay/neuter surgeries for their pets or are abandoning pet cats.
Cats can become pregnant two and three times a year and produce an average of 2.8 kittens per litter. According to SpayUSA, a single unspayed female cat, her mate, and all of their offspring would equal 12 cats in the first year and 376 within three years.
Spay Day is part of a national effort to keep the population of feral cats from growing exponentially. DCSPCA staff members will assist community members managing feral cat colonies to make appointments with participating NYS licensed veterinarians, including those working at the shelter in Hyde Park.
“We are pleased to be working with area veterinarians and community volunteers on Spay Day. Our donors make it possible for us to offer free surgeries and the generosity of clinic staff and community volunteers will make it possible for about one hundred cats to be altered in a single day. Together we will have a significant impact on the cat population for years to come,” stated Joyce Garrity, Executive Director.
To make an appointment at any of the 17 locations, contact the Dutchess County SPCA at 452-7722 ext. 114.
The Dutchess County SPCA, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, is the lead agency for animal rescue and adoption in Dutchess County. The DCSPCA is a no-kill shelter with a 141-year history of concern, caring and providing shelter for unwanted, abused, abandoned and neglected animals. The Dutchess County SPCA rescues, shelters, and secures permanent homes for adoptable companion animals; advocates for the highest standards of animal care; and enforces animal cruelty laws throughout Dutchess County.
