'Too many cats' at Humane Society
BOISE - They might be cute, but the Idaho Humane Society has too many of cats.
Since June 1, 658 cats were admitted to the Idaho Humane Society's shelter while only 197 cats have been adopted and 16 lost cats were returned to owners.
"We believe the current economic situation is a contributing factor," said Jeff Rosenthal, executive director of the Idaho Humane Society. "Our goal is a community in which all adoptable animals find homes and we want to encourage adoptions of shelter pets by those who are ready to accept the responsibility of pet ownership."
Until the end of the month adoption fees for cats and kittens will be waived, however, vital donations to offset the Idaho Humane Society's expenses will be encouraged, Humane officials say.
In contrast, the situation for dogs has been very favorable this month, with adoptions exceeding intakes. In addition to the local rescue of lost and abandoned dogs, since June 1st, the Idaho Humane Society has also transported 45 dogs from overcrowded rural shelters across Idaho to their Boise facility for adoption.
The Canyon County Animal Shelter in Caldwell says cat numbers generally rise in the spring, after amorous felines give birth to a new crop of kittens. The facility there has 280 cats and kittens, which is four times its capacity.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Since June 1, 658 cats were admitted to the Idaho Humane Society's shelter while only 197 cats have been adopted and 16 lost cats were returned to owners.
"We believe the current economic situation is a contributing factor," said Jeff Rosenthal, executive director of the Idaho Humane Society. "Our goal is a community in which all adoptable animals find homes and we want to encourage adoptions of shelter pets by those who are ready to accept the responsibility of pet ownership."
Until the end of the month adoption fees for cats and kittens will be waived, however, vital donations to offset the Idaho Humane Society's expenses will be encouraged, Humane officials say.
In contrast, the situation for dogs has been very favorable this month, with adoptions exceeding intakes. In addition to the local rescue of lost and abandoned dogs, since June 1st, the Idaho Humane Society has also transported 45 dogs from overcrowded rural shelters across Idaho to their Boise facility for adoption.
The Canyon County Animal Shelter in Caldwell says cat numbers generally rise in the spring, after amorous felines give birth to a new crop of kittens. The facility there has 280 cats and kittens, which is four times its capacity.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
