A Winnipeg kitten rescue and cat colony management organization may close its doors if additional funds can’t be raised.
Craig Street Cats (CSC) keeps the population of feral cats to a manageable level in Wolseley and beyond by trapping adult cats and having them spayed or neutered. Orphaned kittens are also brought to the shelter for fostering and adoption.
A non-profit organization, CSC relies on donations to keep its doors open. Each and every penny they receive goes to caring for the cats.
According to a recent Facebook post, the situation at CSC is dire. In April, CSC had bills totaling $25,000 and no money. Despite a plea for funds, less than $3,000 has been donated since then.
“We have laid off one full-time staff person, and eliminated 2 part-time positions. Two full-time contract positions have been cut back to 30 hrs per week,” the June 4 Facebook post states.
Without the TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate and release) services offered by CSC, the areas that are monitored will soon be inundated with starving feral cats.
A colony of cats can produce hundreds of offspring a year if left uncontrolled. Once the cats are sterilized through CSC, they are released to live out the rest of their natural lives. The colonies are monitored, fed and supplied with winter shelters.
According to CSC’s website, fostering a litter of five kittens costs between $500 and $1,000. One week’s worth of kitten formula in the shelter costs over $150. Add the cost of cat food, kitty litter, supplies and veterinarian services, plus housing the cats, means a huge number of donations are needed each and every month.
Craig Street Cats needs support from the citizens of Winnipeg. It needs corporate sponsors. It needs volunteers to help at the shelter and fosters. It needs donations of supplies like kitty litter, paper towels, newspaper, cat food (canned and dry), and kitten formula. It needs support at adoption events and fundraisers.
The long-term costs of this organization shutting its doors will definitely outweigh the current financial need.
For more information about Craig Street Cats and how you can help, please visit their website at http://cats.wolseleygirl.com/.
You can also drop off any donations at 489 Madison Street.
