Newton Independent
The Jasper County Animal Rescue League and Humane Society (JCARL) is encouraging county citizens to consider adopting one of its resident cats during "Adopt a Shelter Cat Month" in June, as designated by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Since Jan. 1, the League has been successful in finding new, safe and loving homes for approximately 292 stray and abandoned cats, dogs and pocket pets, which JCARL Director Emily Bostwick says is a testament to the support of local pet owners and their understanding the many benefits of adopting shelter animals.
"Our many fundraising and awareness events that we have conducted thus far in 2012 have afforded us tremendous opportunities for community residents to understand who we are, what we do, adoption opportunities and how they can step up to join our efforts," she said. "The response we have received from Jasper County residents has been truly gratifying and we applaud their support because our needs and more importantly, the needs of our animals, are ongoing."
JCARL's 'Neuter or Spay a Stray' Campaign is Working
Earlier this year, the JCARL launched its "Neuter or Spay a Stray" campaign to raise funding to alter League animals to reduce fees and make pet adoptions more economical and appealing for area residents.
Bostwick said having animals altered during their stay at the League also creates a healthier and less stressful overall environment and in many cases can positively influence the demeanor of the altered animals.
Donna Jackson, JCARL board member and volunteer, has been active in the League's adoption events, both in Newton and through the League's partnership with a Petco store location in Des Moines, which requires all animals on display to be altered.
Jackson said two cats - Lily and Cedric - are just two examples of recent success stories resulting from the neuter and spay initiative.
Lily is a cute little calico that was our first cat to be spayed through the program," Jackson said. "She had been at the shelter for over a year, but once she was altered she was adopted in a couple of days."
Lily
"Cedric is an orange tabby tomcat that was becoming fiesty and frustrated in his cage and even getting a bit aggressive," Jackson continued. "But once he was neutered, he soon became more laid back, playful and quite friendly, resulting in an adoption to his forever home."
Cedric
Thus far, the JCARL's "Neuter or Spay a Stray" campaign has been limited to resident cats because of the significantly larger overall number of felines being brought to the League in 2012.
Since Jan. 1, 240 cats have been admitted to the JCARL, with several additional kittens currently in the League's volunteer foster care program and now available for adoption into new homes. To date, the League has found homes for 140 cats, including 13 cats that have been adopted through Petco.
In need of donations
Having realized success through the "Neuter or Spay a Stray" campaign in the form of increased pet adoptions, the JCARL leadership wants to keep the positive momentum going, but it requires the financial support of Jasper County residents to continue.
Individuals or groups interested in making tax-deductible financial contributions to the "Neuter or Spay a Stray" program may send checks to JCARL, 5411 Liberty Avenue, Newton, IA 50208.
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