FELINE ISSUE DISCUSSED – The Brooke County Commission was questioned Tuesday about using a state grant it received for the spaying and neutering of pets to alleviate an abundance of stray cats. -Warren Scott
WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Commission was approached Tuesday about ways to reduce the abundance of stray cats, including using a state grant it received to help residents spay or neuter their pets.
The commission heard from Carri Welsh, who said she became aware of a Follansbee resident who complained about feral cats in her neighborhood and threatened to poison them.
Welsch and some other residents told the commission they are aware of an overpopulation of feral and other stray cats and would like to help resolve the problem in a humane way.
They questioned whether a $20,000 grant given to the county by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture for spaying and neutering animals could be used.
At the request of Steve Tennant, a local member of the Federation of Humane Organizations, the commission requested funds from the grant program, which is supported by a registration fee paid by manufacturers of pet food sold in the state and an anonymous sum of $ 5 million. Donation.
Tennant noted that all counties can apply for the grants.
Since then, the grant has covered the costs for local residents to spay or neuter their pet dogs or cats and to vaccinate them against rabies.
Pet owners can contact the county animal shelter at (304) 394-0800 to receive a voucher to present to the veterinarian performing the operation. The veterinarian then sends an invoice for the service to the municipality, which is reimbursed for the cost through the grant.
Fellow resident Tami VanCamp told the commission that she and others have captured feral cats and sterilized them, then typically returned them to their location, although in some cases homes can be found for them.
She said that because cats have become unable to reproduce, the practice results in the extinction of a community of undomesticated felines.
Donna DeJaro, director of the county animal shelter, was asked about the facility’s capacity for dogs and cats and its current occupancy.
She said there are currently 67 cats, including kittens, and 15 dogs at the shelter. She said 18 kennels can comfortably accommodate the same number of canines, although that number can be exceeded depending on the size and temperament of the dogs.
DeJaro noted that there are also outdoor kennels that can be used depending on the right climate.
She said one cat room at the shelter has been occupied by up to 225 felines, although that’s not ideal.
Heather Watkins, a member of the county clerk’s staff, suggested that if commissioners decide to use grant money for lost animals, they will determine how much of it should be used for that purpose, as it could run out quickly.
She added that there is variation in the fees charged by veterinarians and that the commission may want to address this.
The current grant period ends in November, after which the commission may request another.
Commission Chairman AJ Thomas said he would like confirmation from the Department of Agriculture that the grant can be used for stray animals.
Tennant advised: “That’s what this program was initially created to do, to control cat overpopulation.”
“It seems like there is a path forward on this,” Thomas said, adding that he feels more discussion is needed between the commission and the residents involved.
