Save Them All Rescue Service:

A No Kill Rescue

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Stray Cat Announcement

 So the other day, I received a call from an older lady. She was very upset because she had been taking care of a colony of cats in Philip, South Dakota. She let me know that she was extremely upset because the city was starting to trap the cats and relocate them because of them overpopulation. For many years, she had been feeding, working with these cats to become more friendly, and trapping them to get them fixed when she could afford to. She has rehomed at least 40 cats after getting them fixed. The City of Philip did a post in the paper to let the town know about their efforts. So the lady reached out to STARS to see if we could help. Because of a current lack of funding and space, we would normally redirect to other rescues; however, she told me that she had reached out to other rescues and not yet heard back from them all. After talking with this lady, my heart was crying for her. I could tell she was extremely worried, upset, and frantic. It had to be taken care of as quickly as possible. So I made an area just for these cats to come to STARS No Kill Rescue. I called the local sheriff's department that day to let them know that I'd be willing to help out with the situation. They were very grateful and willing to accept my help trapping the cats, then getting them tested, vaccinated, and fixed. After working the overnight shift at my job, I went to the rescue first to care for the animals, then I drove 2 hours to Philip, South Dakota with several of our traps. We were able to get all but 1 kitten and 1 cat at that time. I left some traps set to hopefully capture the last two overnight.

***SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH STRAY OR FERAL CATS***

*NOTE* When trapping cats, please keep in mind that not all cats trapped are wild. A domestic house cat will freak out in a trap. Friendly cats will act crazy when trapped because all they want to do is get out. So please do not misunderstand them as wild.

*TRAPPING FERAL CATS*

The best thing to do when trapping feral cats is to test them for feline leukemia and FIV to make sure the colony is not infected. Then get them their vaccines, deworming, examined, and then have them fixed. It is best to return the cat's back to the area they were at if possible.

*SOUTH DAKOTA IS A FREE ROAMING STATE*

I understand that a lot of times, people don't like cats. They don't like cats in their yard. They don't want them peeing or poop or getting up on furniture and leaving their hair around. But we live in South Dakota, and this is considered a free-roaming state. So this means any animal is allowed to come into your yard and do whatever they want to do to your yard and property. Because it's a free Roman state. The only animal that is not allowed to come in your yard is a cow, by law they must be in a fenced-in property. So if you don’t want animals in your yard, you can fence it off or set sprinklers that are motion censored.

***WHO CAN TRAP****

You are NOT ALLOWESD to trap or shoot an animal if it's not endangering live stock. Trapping is only allowed by the police department, animal control, humane society, or rescues. If someone harms an animal or destroys, it is against the law.

*****MICROCHIPPING*****

Microchipping and having a collar on your pet is one of the best ways to protect your pet. Once an animal is microchipped, this is considered property. Once the police or any approved agency traps an animal, they are to scan the animal and post it, then hold it for at least 3 days. Each county has different policies.

**** BEST TO RETURN FERAL CATS****

So if you have a colony of cats, it's best to return them back to where they were after they've been fixed, vaccinated and tested. We understand this doesn't happen a lot of times. Even if at least half the cats go back, this is so much better for the community here is the reason why.

**** NO CATS, YOU WILL HAVE MICE AND SNAKES***

When you remove a feral cat colony, that area will become overwhelmed with mice fast. The mice will move in and move in very quickly. Mice are more of a huge nuisance than a cat will ever be. Mice carry a lot more serious diseases and can make humans sick. Also, the mice will move into underneath your house and find their way into your house. They can squeeze in between the pipes.

****1 MOUSE GIVES BIRTH TO 70 MICE A YEAR**

Then they will make themselves at home inside your nice cozy home. Mice love to eat wiring in the walls and any bedding. They also can cost thousands of dollars in car problems because they love engine compartments, especially in the winter. They will chew everything they can. Did you know 1 mouse can produce 70 mice in 1 year. Once a mouse is 2 months old, it can get pregnant and have litters up to 10 times a year. That's just one mouse. Plus, the smell from their feces and urine is extremely toxic. this will cost you thousands and thousands of dollars to fix because of the wiring harness. *** FIRST MICE THEN SNAKES***Then, once the mice move in, the snakes will be in shortly after. Because they loved the mice. So once you get rid of feral cats in your area, you're thinking you're getting rid of a problem. You are only creating a huge and bigger problem for the community.

****HOW TO HELP THE PROBLEM****

It is always best when you see a stray cat. It's best to go ahead and take a picture of the cat and post it on social media. If nobody claims it within a week or so, go ahead and call your vet to set an appointment to get it fixed. Call your animal control to have them bring you a live trap. Set the trap up the night before. Once trapped, leave the cat in the trap and take it to the vet in the trap. It is never a good idea to try to handle, grab, or pick up a stray cat. You can get seriously injured and sick.

****LOW COST SPAY AND NEUTER PLACES****

There are several low-cost spay and neuter programs out there. West River coalition is a nonprofit organization that specializes in giving vouchers for stray feral cats and colonies. This is a wonderful organization, and they have helped tremendously to keep the cat population down. Operation. Pets are also another low-cost spay and neuter program. LFC vet in Custer is a low-cost spay neuter vet, and then there is Salt Creek that in Newcastle, they are very reasonable for spay and neuter your pets.Then, once you get the stray cat checked out, tested, vaccinated, and fixed. Please allow a couple of days before returning them to make sure they are ok. Then, return him or her to the place where you trapped the cat. Please, if you do this, it will help so many rescues, humane society’s and unwanted pets.

*** NEXT YEAR WE WILL HAVE OUR TRAILER READY**

Next year, 2024, we are hoping to get approved for funds to start being more hands-on with feral cat colonies again. Our mobile trailer we be ready to go to do this and have a safe place for the cats and to be tested, vaccinated, and fixed. Then, we cared for them for a few days after to make sure they will be ok before they are returned. February and March are our goals to start this wonderful program.

*****PLEASE PRAY AND SHARE****

So please pray for us with this colony of cats to be negative of FIV and feline leukemia. Several are in need of medication, and 1 has an eye issue. We have an LFC vet coming to do the spay and neuter clinic on Dec 8th. This colony will cost an easy $1,500. That we currently do not have.

**** PLEASE DONATE IF YOU CAN THANK YOU****

So if you can help with $5, please donate on the link below or mail a check to STARS PO Box 2302 Rapid City, SD 57707

I donated most of my check again to the rescue and have not started my Christmas shopping and have only 1 more paycheck to go before Christmas. Please please please help. Thank you

Please remember to can a animal when found.

Thank you, and please share to help educate others.  

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