No Kill South Carolina’s Florence Area Community Cat Project Snips Cat No. 1000

Press Release

FLORENCE, SC – No Kill South Carolina 2024 proudly marks a significant milestone in the Florence Area Community Cat Project – the successful spaying or neutering of the 1000th free-roaming cat, only six months after the program’s inception.

“This remarkable achievement highlights the commitment and dedication of the program’s participants and their pivotal role in transforming the lives of cats in the Florence area,” said No Kill South Carolina Chief Project Officer Abigail Appleton, CAWA, PMP.

Cat #1,000 was found on TV Road in Florence. He is a flame point Siamese blend and received his neuter at Charleston Animal Society. He will be returned to his original location after his surgery recovery.

The Florence Area Community Cat Project is a collaborative effort between No Kill South Carolina 2024, Charleston Animal Society, Florence County Environmental Services, and the Jayne Boswell Animal Shelter. This initiative also enjoys support from the Florence Area Humane Society and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.

The program is generously funded by Best Friends Animal Society’s Shelter Collaborative initiative, symbolizing a turning point in the region’s approach to feline welfare.

The Florence County Council’s pivotal decision in February to pass an ordinance permitting the humane and efficient Trap-Vaccinate-Alter-Return (TVAR) method for free-roaming cats replaces the outdated “trap and kill” approach, which has proven ineffective in managing stray cat populations.

This initiative not only provides an alternative to euthanasia for these cats but also makes significant strides in reducing the population, mirroring the success seen in other communities across South Carolina.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

After cats are humanely trapped in the Florence area, they are either transported to Charleston Animal Society for spay-neuter surgery, or Charleston Animal Society’s Simon Greer Mobile Spay-Neuter Clinic is brought to Florence to perform the surgeries.

During the surgery, the cat’s right ear is tipped for easy identification when they are placed back where they were originally roaming. Keeping the cats in their regular areas will prevent other cats from moving in, that are not spayed or neutered.

“Everyone involved in this exciting initiative is committed to making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of cats in the Florence area,” said No Kill South Carolina Chief Project Officer Abigail Appleton, CAWA, PMP.

For individuals who want to participate in the Florence Area Community Cat Project, please reach out via phone at (843) 996-8879 or email florencecats@nokillsouthcarolina.org

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