Reduce Feral Cat Sterilization Fees
- by: Concerned Citizens
- recipient: Hawaiian Humane Society
For over 15 years the Hawaiian Humane Society (HHS) has offered free spay and neuter surgeries for feral cats through their Feral Cat Sterilization program. Over the years this program has benefited tens of thousands of cats and their caregivers. Hundreds of thousands of unwanted kitten births have been prevented and caregivers who participate in the program have reported population decreases in their colonies. The only fee for the program was $5 per cat for a required microchip. Starting August 1st, the HHS will up their sterilization plus microchip fee from $5 per cat to $25 per cat.
This phenomenal fee increase will likely limit the number of people financially able to use the program. In turn, fewer cats will be sterilized, population will increase, and euthanasia will become more favorable.
If the average person with a feral cat problem is given the option to sterilize the cats for $25 each or turn them in to be euthanized for $0 each. Which are they likely to choose?
It is not unreasonable for the Hawaiian Humane Society to charge for their services. Yes, it costs them money and resources to sterilize cats. However, it also costs them money and resources to euthanize. Some studies have shown that sterilizing feral cats is less costly than euthanizing them. Over 17,000 cats were turned into HHS last year. Fewer than 3,500 of those cats were adopted or reunited with their owners. The remainder were likely euthanized. Why not implement a $5 fee to turn in an unowned/unmicrochipped cat? These funds could then be used to offset the costs of the Feral Cat Sterilization program and would benefit those trying to help and encourage those inclined to euthanize to reevaluate their options.
Ultimately, this fee increase will affect not only feral cats but the people who spend their time and money to care for them. Think about the 84 year old retired caregiver who feeds 50 cats. Or the low income family who is trying to be compassionate and responsible by caring for strays. The Hawaiian Humane Society has the ability to enable these people to do the right thing by reevaluating their decision to increase feral cat spay and neuter fees.
This phenomenal fee increase will likely limit the number of people financially able to use the program. In turn, fewer cats will be sterilized, population will increase, and euthanasia will become more favorable.
If the average person with a feral cat problem is given the option to sterilize the cats for $25 each or turn them in to be euthanized for $0 each. Which are they likely to choose?
It is not unreasonable for the Hawaiian Humane Society to charge for their services. Yes, it costs them money and resources to sterilize cats. However, it also costs them money and resources to euthanize. Some studies have shown that sterilizing feral cats is less costly than euthanizing them. Over 17,000 cats were turned into HHS last year. Fewer than 3,500 of those cats were adopted or reunited with their owners. The remainder were likely euthanized. Why not implement a $5 fee to turn in an unowned/unmicrochipped cat? These funds could then be used to offset the costs of the Feral Cat Sterilization program and would benefit those trying to help and encourage those inclined to euthanize to reevaluate their options.
Ultimately, this fee increase will affect not only feral cats but the people who spend their time and money to care for them. Think about the 84 year old retired caregiver who feeds 50 cats. Or the low income family who is trying to be compassionate and responsible by caring for strays. The Hawaiian Humane Society has the ability to enable these people to do the right thing by reevaluating their decision to increase feral cat spay and neuter fees.
We the undersigned believe that drastically increasing feral cat sterilization fees from $5 to $25 will have a negative impact on the war against overpopulation.
Your Feral Cat Sterilization program has benefited tens of thousands of cats and hundreds of colony caretakers over the years. You have prevented hundreds of thousands of unwanted kitten births and helped reduce the population of many colonies.
Please reconsider your decision to raise your fees so drastically.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
Sign PetitionSign PetitionYour Feral Cat Sterilization program has benefited tens of thousands of cats and hundreds of colony caretakers over the years. You have prevented hundreds of thousands of unwanted kitten births and helped reduce the population of many colonies.
Please reconsider your decision to raise your fees so drastically.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
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