Mayor Billy Kenoi issued a proclamation Wednesday declaring March 2016 “AdvoCATS Month” on Hawaii Island.
Mayor Billy Kenoi issued a proclamation Wednesday declaring March 2016 “AdvoCATS Month” on Hawaii Island.
In his proclamation Kenoi encouraged everyone to support the AdvoCATS Trap-Neuter-Return program for abandoned, unwanted and homeless cats throughout Hawaii Island. Kenoi said TNR programs, accompanied by ongoing cat colony management as practiced by AdvoCATS and its volunteers, is “the most humane, effective and cost-saving way to reduce homeless cat populations in the long term.”
The nonprofit AdvoCATS has spayed and neutered more than 18,000 cats since its inception in March 1999. AdvoCATS works with Dr. April Campbell veterinarian, whose practice is focused on low-cost, high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter, and who typically sterilizes 100 to 125 cats in one day.
The cats also are ear-tipped, microchipped, vaccinated for feline distemper and common respiratory diseases, and treated for fleas and other parasites by skilled AdvoCATS volunteers. Veterinarian and her trained technician give other medical care if needed, such as treatment of abscesses or respiratory infections.
There is no charge for these treatments, although a donation is suggested. Additionally, Kenoi emphasized “Trap-Neuter-Return programs stop the cycle of breeding and reduce complaints and costs associated with homeless cats.”
To contact AdvoCATS, call 327-3724, email advocatshawaii@aol.com or visit advocatshawaii.org and advocats.hawaii on Facebook.