Operation Sterile Feral
(from The St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment)
April 19, 2009
St. Charles County, MO
Feral cats are a problem all over the United States. These animals are often found in colonies in close proximity to humans and their numbers grow at alarming rates if not controlled.
Removing feral cats only solves the problem for a short period of time, because more cats will just move in and start to breed again. The best long-term solution is to control the existing population by spaying and neutering. Once the cats are altered, the colony no longer grows and kittens are not flooding the local shelters.
Fortunately, there is help in St. Charles County. The Sterile Feral program provides low-cost spay and neuter services for feral and barn cats, instead of euthanizing them. For just $20, the cats are vaccinated for rabies, treated for parasites and altered so they cannot breed. The program is run entirely with volunteers from the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center, Metro Animal of St. Louis and All Paws Rescue.
Since Sterile Feral began in 2003, hundreds of cats have been assisted by the program, helping to control wild feline populations in our neighborhoods and decreasing the number of kittens coming into the shelter in the summer months.
Sterile Feral events are generally held on the third Sunday of each month. The next event takes place on Sunday, April 19 at the Pet Adoption Center, 4850 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters. Only feral and barn cats are eligible for the program, not pets. The program is limited to St. Charles County residents, and appointments are required.
For more information about the Sterile Feral program or to make an appointment, call 636-949-PETS (7387).
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