Coalition of humane societies announce waiver of cat fees
I CAT BELIEVE IT!
MILWAUKEE – A first-ever initiative in Southeastern Wisconsin aims to save the lives of nearly 1,000 cats in July. Shelters in five counties – the Wisconsin Humane Society’s (WHS) three locations, the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC), Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS), Sheboygan County Humane Society, Washington County Humane Society and Elmbrook Humane Society have all agreed that in the month of July, all adoption fees for adult cats (1 year or older) will be entirely waived.
It’s the first time that all six shelters have united in a single adoption promotion. The initiative is in response to the recent dramatic peak of cat intake in the area. WHS alone reports that they are currently caring for 575 cats, in comparison to 361 cats the same time last year.
“Just eight weeks ago we had empty adoption suites and today, we have more than 160 cats and kittens on our adoption floor looking for new homes,” said Anne Reed, president and CEO of WHS. “We’re hearing similar trends from our colleagues throughout Southeastern Wisconsin and we’re hoping this initiative will inspire more cat adoptions throughout the entire region.”
WHS is not alone; MADACC, Milwaukee County’s stray holding facility, lodging space is at a premium.
“This time of year, we can get in 30-50 cats and kittens a day,” explained Karen Sparapani, the executive director of MADACC. “The only way to keep up with that is by adopting or transferring out the same number each day. With all shelters overwhelmed this time of year, we truly count on the community to adopt to keep our population moving through.”
In Waukesha County, HAWS officials note that adult cats can make the best companions, as they are more mature than their kitten counterparts and adult personalities are more defined.
“While summer is known as ‘kitten season’ in our area, there are so many wonderful adult cats needing homes,” said Lynn Olenik, executive director at HAWS. “Don’t overlook these amazing pets – they are grown up, fully trained and settled into their personalities. What’s not to like?!?”
Interested in adopting? Visit the shelters’ websites to view available cats and learn more about the adoption process. The participating shelters include:
- Elmbrook Humane Society, www.ebhs.org
- Humane Animal Welfare Society, www.hawspets.org
- Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission, http://madacc.org/
- Sheboygan County Humane Society, www.myschs.com/
- Washington County Humane Society, http://www.wchspets.org/
- Wisconsin Humane Society Milwaukee Campus, www.wihumane.org
- Wisconsin Humane Society Ozaukee Campus, www.wihumane.org
- Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus, www.wihumane.org
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- Friday, July 1, 2016
- For immediate release
- Media Contact: Angela Speed
- (414) 431-6104
- aspeed@wihumane.org
