Capture projects underway

BRIDGEPORT – Past issues of The Quad have mentioned the problem of nuisance cat populations in both the cities of Bridgeport and Brewster. While most animal control measures have focused on loose or unlicensed dogs, feral and roaming cats have moved largely under the radar.

Two volunteer organizations in Okanogan County, the Animal Foster Care Cat Shelter at 4 Spring Coulee Road, and the Okanogan Regional Spay and Neuter Project (OK-SNIP), both located in Okanogan, have helped address cat numbers by offering spay and neuter services. Both organizations depend heavily on donations to keep the doors open and offer free or discounted services.

On April 27, Whiskers and Wishes is hosting a dinner, no-host bar and silent auction at the Winthrop Barn to raise funds for both organizations along with Okandogs, a division of OK-SNIP headquartered in Cashmere. Tickets are $45 with reservations available through Central Reservations at (509) 996-2148.

Animal Foster Care is currently involved in three rescue operations, one of those on the Bridgeport Bar where volunteers are trapping stray cats for adoption or spay/neuter services. The tamer ones of the lot are socialized and prepared for adoption while the more feral are altered, vaccinated, have other needs addressed and are then returned to the site of capture.

Bridgeport mayor Janet Conklin has raised the issue of a growing feline problem at a residence within the city limits where an excess of cats is causing problems for neighbors. Conklin said she is negotiating with the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society, a no-kill shelter that has worked with the city on its dog populations.

“The problem is they want to neuter the cats and return them here,” said Conklin. “We want them gone.”

Wenatchee Humane depends upon grant funding to operate a mobile spay\neuter van and lately grant money has been scarce so the Bridgeport cat issue remains one to be addressed down the road.

Bill Zweigle, Bridgeport’s part-time Animal Control enforcement officer handles the city’s dog control but does not pick up cats. Zweigle patrols the bar as part of his beat but was unaware that a cat capture project is underway there.

Brewster clerk/treasurer Misty Ruiz said that Brewster’s feline issues need attention, but city officials must be thoughtful regarding the disposition or spaying/neutering of loose cats that may be family pets.

“It’s best if volunteers who are experienced and involved in that service address it,” Ruiz said referring to the Bridgeport Bar project.

Those interested in contacting the Animal Foster Care Cat Shelter can call (509) 422-3364.  OK-SNIP can be reached at (509) 422-9960. Contact Okandogs in Cashmere at (509) 670-4937 or email tomoshort1@gmail.com.