OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) -
The Owensboro Humane Society launched the first of several spay and neuter clinics just for Hancock County cats today.
It's all thanks to a grant from Pet Smart Charities.
The cats are brought from Hancock County to Owensboro for these clinics, which will take place a couple times a month, until all 350 cats covered by the $20,000 grant are taken care of.
Jaime Cox volunteers with the Hancock County Humane Society and brought the first group of 25 cats to Owensboro today.
She says the pet population there is overwhelming at times.
"We have a huge population problem. Cats are really bad, dogs as well. They're just basically everywhere," said Cox.
To help ease that burden, the Owensboro Humane Society is providing opportunities for Hancock County cats to be spayed or neutered and receive a rabies shot for just $10.
Humane Society President Carmel McLeod recognizes the county's need for help.
"They are having big issues with overpopulations and cats die on their own, and they're not being taken care of, so we want to address that situation and help our neighbors," said McLeod.
Part of that comes from Hancock County not having any vets and the animal control there not taking cats.
Both McLeod and Cox feel these clinics will help reduce the problem.
"We're gonna make a dent in this population for them up there, and we're gonna keep on trying to help our neighbors here in Daviess County," said McLeod.
"I think it's been a pretty good turnout. We still got a little bit to go, but I'm pretty sure we'll get there," said Cox.
The Owensboro Humane Society plans to apply for a grant for Muhlenberg County next.
If you'd like to sign your cat up for one of the upcoming clinics, you can call the Hancock County Humane Society at 270-316-CATS.
These are scheduled to last for about seven months.
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