The Fox Valley Humane Association in Greenville, Wis., has begun giving away free adult cats in response to an overwhelming feline population.
The felines, which have been spayed or neutered, normally cost $40 to adopt, but all cats that are 3-years-old or older are free through a program that started July 11.
The Gift of a Lifetime program is slated to continue through September, but depending on its success, it could continue indefinitely, according to Debby Lewis, the shelters executive director.
The humane association currently has about 200 dogs, cats and exotic animals waiting to be adopted, Lewis said. In the first half of 2006, the shelter took in 1,877 cats and dogs, mostly cats which was a 15 percent increase over the first half of 2005.
From January through June this year, the shelter saw 1,078 felines and 799 canines. In June, the shelter took in 27 percent more cats and kittens than in June 2005, according to Lewis.
Potential adopters still have to go through the regular adoption process, although the cats are free. After filling out an application, adopters must wait 24 hours for the shelter to contact references and process paperwork. The shelter also is asking for voluntary donations from adopters to help defray operational costs.
In addition to already being spayed or neutered, the cats are microchipped, vaccinated and checked for feline leukemia free of charge. A months worth of pet insurance is included as well.
Posted: July 25, 2006, 5 a.m. EST