Humane Society of Weld County plans new trap, neuter and release

The Weld County Humane Society is attempting to stave off the stray cat population this season with a new spay and neuter program.

Elaine Hicks, executive director of the Weld County Humane Society, said the Humane Society will spay and neuter the feral cats for free, as well as vaccinate and test for feline leukemia and FIV.

The service is made possible by a $14,000 grant that the Society received to help combat the rising cat population in this region.

"One cat and its offspring can produce 720,000 cats in its lifetime," Hicks said.

For residents willing to care for a feral a colony, Hicks said residents must capture the wild cats with traps and bring them to the clinic for testing. The cats area returned to the same individual who is asked to monitor the cats.

Hick said the practice of trap, neuter and releasing cats has been effective in other parts of the country in reducing the feral cat population.

The program, in effect since December, 2007 here, has only been used by a few rural residents said Hicks.

"Feral cats are a huge problem not only for the humane society, but for the entire community," Hicks said.

For more information on how to spay and neuter feral cats for free contact the Humane Society at 970-506-9550.