PETCO Foundation Grant

PETCO Foundation Grant Supports Town's Trap/Neuter/Return Program For Feral Cats

Thanks to the generosity of the PETCO Foundation, Hempstead Town is furthering its efforts to control the area's feral cat population. Supervisor Kate Murray announced today that a $5,000 grant from the PETCO Foundation will be utilized in support of the town's Trap/Neuter/Release (TNR) program for feral cats.

"Hempstead Town is grateful to the PETCO Foundation for its financial support of our efforts to mitigate the overpopulation of feral cats in our township," said Supervisor Kate Murray. "These additional funds will help us to establish a weekly TNR program for feral cats at the town's animal shelter in Wantagh."

Feral cats (non-pet felines, living in outdoor environment) have reached epidemic numbers on Long Island. Feral cats that are not spayed or neutered may wander from place to place throughout our region, resulting in pockets of feral cat overpopulation.

"The Town of Hempstead is being proactive in combating this serious problem with a Trap/Neuter/Return program. Residents who are feeding feral cats are encouraged to schedule an appointment to have the felines spayed or neutered free of charge," stated Murray.

Spay/neuter surgeries will be scheduled on Thursdays, by appointment only. Town residents may bring in up to three feral cats for free spay/neuter, and are asked to arrive at the animal shelter no later than 7:30 a.m. on their appointment day. For the safety of all participants, each feral cat must be brought to the shelter in its own trap. Cats may be picked up in the afternoon, the same day as the surgery. Spayed/neutered feral cats should be transported back to the release site after the appropriate recovery time.

Space is limited and appointments will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Proof of residency must be provided. To register for an appointment or to get more information about the town's TNR program, please call the animal shelter at (516) 785-5220, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter is located at 3320 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh.

"With the support of the PETCO Foundation, we can make a difference in dealing with the growing number of feral cats here in the Town of Hempstead," concluded Supervisor Murray. "I urge every resident who cares about feral cats to take advantage of this great opportunity."