BRATTLEBORO-The Windham County Humane Society (WCHS) recently announced it has received a $5,000 grant dedicated to providing 100 free spay/neuter surgeries for cats owned by residents of the Tri-Park Cooperative Housing Corporation.
This targeted initiative will take place in May to address the growing feline population in the community. According to its website, Tri-Park houses approximately 1,000 residents, nearly 10% of Brattleboro’s population. WCHS estimates there are between 300 and 400 cats living within the Tri-Park community, including both owned pets and strays.
“While many of these cats are already altered, those that aren’t fixed will begin breeding as the weather warms,” said Maya Richmond, executive director of WCHS. “The math is staggering: A female kitten born in March is capable of producing her own litter by August. This grant allows us to intervene before the summer population surge.”
To meet the ambitious goal of 100 surgeries in 30 days, WCHS will host two high-volume “super-clinics” on Friday, May 8, and Monday, May 11.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated veterinary team, including Drs. White, Martino, and Cote, who plan to perform nearly 50 surgeries on each of these dates,” Richmond added.
In addition to population control, these services are a vital component of public health. Each surgery includes a rabies vaccination, protecting both pets and residents from diseases carried by local wildlife.
Tri-Park residents wishing to book a free surgery during the May clinics should contact WCHS immediately by emailing jess@windhamcountyhumane.org or calling 802-254-2232 (select option #2).
Community members interested in supporting this project or providing care for animals currently in the shelter can donate online or mail contributions to P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.