Cat Rescue Efforts Continue at Richmond, Virginia Television Station

Richmond, Virginia (July 2, 2008) – The “Trap, Neuter and Return” program being conducted by animal rescue organizations at a feral cat colony behind a local television station is expected to continue for some time. The on-site work is being conducted by a coalition of local humane groups, led by Save Our Shelters (SOS).

Thus far, 25 kittens and six adult cats have been recovered from the area behind WRLH-TV (FOX 35), in the 1900 block of Westmoreland Street in Henrico County. That number is growing almost daily. By the time the current portion of the effort is complete, the total number of rescued cats and kittens could be as high as 40 to 50. Some of the kittens recovered from the site are as young as four weeks old.

“We will be working at the FOX 35 site for several weeks to come,” said Save Our Shelters Director of Cat Rescue Peggy Lynch. “When our work is complete the colony will be stabilized, and with ongoing monitoring and oversight it will diminish in size over time.”

The Richmond SPCA is providing spay or neuter, vaccinations, and other medical care to the cats recovered from the site by SOS and other organizations. Adult cats that are not socialized will be released back into their habitat and monitored as part of the “Trap, Neuter and Return” program. Kittens removed from the site are being socialized by SOS volunteers and offered for adoption to loving homes.

SOS has set up a blog, at saveourshelters.wordpress.com, where regular updates on the effort at FOX 35 as well as pictures from the scene are being posted.

SOS is only able to respond to situations such as this and advocate for the humane treatment of animals with help from volunteers and public support in the form of donations. Details on how to volunteer or donate, as well as information on how to adopt an SOS dog or cat, can be found at www.saveourshelters.com.

Donations of pet food and other items are not being accepted, and SOS urges well-meaning individuals NOT to leave cat food at the Westmoreland Street site, as it interferes with the trapping effort.

About Save Our Shelters
Founded in 1996, Save Our Shelters (SOS) is a registered 501(c)3 organization with a goal of ensuring the humane treatment of all animals. For more information on SOS, please visit www.saveourshelters.com.

###