Luzerne County SPCA giving away cats
Published: July 4, 2009
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Got cats? The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Luzerne County does. So many, in fact, it is giving them away for free.
The SPCA of Luzerne County is waiving its $50 adoption fee for the next three months after being inundated with cats, Executive Director Vince Sweeney said Thursday.
"We've got cats in cages at the ends of hallways, in hallways," Mr. Sweeney said. "We've got cats stashed back in parts of our building closed to the public. ⦠We have loads to choose from, in all colors and shapes. It's a heartbreaking situation."
The shelter had about 150 cats Thursday, Mr. Sweeney said, adding that it took in 32 cats Wednesday alone.
This is the first time the shelter has given animals away for free, but the SPCA is willing to take the financial hit to save the lives of as many cats as possible, he said.
The number of cats dropped off at the shelter always increases in the summer, Mr. Sweeney said, since many cats breed in the spring.
Workers at the shelter are hoping the promotion lessens the number of cats euthanized this year.
"Every year at this time it goes crazy with cats," Mr. Sweeney said.
The "free cat" initiative, which runs through September, applies to adult cats that are approximately 1 year old, which are typically harder for the shelter to place in homes.
Those looking to adopt a new cat should bring proof of home ownership, like a tax bill or a letter of approval from a landlord.
The SPCA also requests any available veterinary records from adopters to show they have taken care of other animals. The cats will be spayed or neutered at the shelter for free and receive some inoculations. The only cost to adopters is for a rabies inoculation, which would be obtained at their veterinarian, Mr. Sweeney said.
"It's the same type of adoption we always do, except there is no charge for it," he added.
Mr. Sweeney said overcrowding problems the shelter is facing would happen less frequently if all pet owners took the time to spay or neuter their animals.
Contact the writer: kgaydos@citizensvoice.com
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