While we generally think of quality of life in terms of humanistic issues, the same phrase applies to domesticated animals. With domesticated animals in many communities, there is a very real quality of life issue, specifically due to overpopulation of these animals. This is one of the reasons why strays become so prevalent but also one of the many reasons why the Chautauqua County Humane Society operates today; and is confronting this issue with their free Spay and Neutering Clinics.

 

The quality of life issue with domesticated animals can be viewed two ways. From the perspective of community citizens, a large population of strays can become a nuisance to property and home, disturbing house pets, destroying possessions, and simply making a mess. This becomes costly to citizens and municipalities alike that must deal with the stray population. Looking at the other side, being placed into shelters with thousands of other animals waiting to be adopted is not the type of life meant for most of these animals either. 

 

To tackle this quality of life issue on both sides, the Chautauqua County Humane Society implemented free Spay and Neuter Clinics for cats in the year 2004. The idea behind the clinics are to provide spaying/neutering of cats by fully licensed veterinary physicians, free of charge, to those who would not normally be able to afford the surgeries. Since the clinics were implemented, nearly 3,000 cats have been spayed or neutered. To further measure the impact of the program, the number of incoming cats to the Humane Society was 6,011 in 2003, the year prior to the program’s implementation. In 2005, the number of incoming cats was reduced to 2,723, with nearly 80% of these cats being adopted.   

 

To be able to provide this service free of charge to the community, the Humane Society has received Community Service Grant funding from the Community Foundation on separate occasions. This program is providing a community service not only to those who cannot afford these procedures but also to the greater community that hopes to see the stray cat population and the costs associated with it decline.

 

For the cats that remain at the Humane Society facility on Strunk Road in Jamestown, a better way of living at the shelter is also being addressed. Many of the cats that are up for adoption are now being held in colonies rather than in cages away from physical contact. These colonies are essentially rooms that allow a large group of cats, friendly with one another, to play, socialize, and greet visitors to the Humane Society. There are currently three colonies at the facility that give the cats at the shelter more freedom to live, as they would if in a home. 

 

As demonstrated by the Humane Society’s free Spay and Neuter Clinics, Community Foundation grants have a large impact on all aspects of the community. This includes the human and animal sides of the community, as well as many other aspects. Take the time to research Community Foundation grants or the ways you can give. Whether you’re thinking about giving or receiving, you would be amazed at the ways you can help too!