Officials with the Riverside County Department of Animal Services said they are nearing their goal of saving 5,000 more cats in its care.
To achieve its goal, the department said it’s decreasing humane euthanasia of cats and increasing transfers to rescue partner organizations.
The efforts are tied to the 5,000 Cat Challenge , an initiative that seeks to improve live outcomes for cats in Riverside County in 2024. The challenge started after the agency collaborated with animal welfare experts, Jackson Galaxy, Hannah Shaw, Dr. Kate Hurley, and Dr. Julie Levy of the universities of UC Davis and Florida.
The agency has enhanced its pet services, by providing low-cost or free spay and neuter surgeries for community cats.
“As a result of our collective efforts, more than 4,000 cats have been saved, which is approximately 80 percent of our goal,” said Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez, Fifth District. “We are urging the public to help us reach this important milestone in the campaign’s final two months.