RIVERSIDE, CA, (LAI) – Riverside County officials have announced the initiation of the “5,000 Cats Challenge,” a campaign aimed at rescuing cats from local animal shelters and placing them into homes. This initiative seeks to address the issue of euthanasia due to overcrowding and other constraints in shelters.
During a panel discussion on Monday, experts in cat rescues and animal behavior gathered to address the high intake of cats and kittens in Riverside County shelters last year. The focus was on strategies to alleviate the burden on shelters in the future. Kerri Mabee, spokeswoman for the Department of Animal Services, emphasized that the plan includes enhancing adoption processes, fostering opportunities, and increasing spay/neuter programs.
The “5,000 Cats Challenge” draws inspiration from the successful “Million Cat Challenge” that began in 2014, resulting in over a million cats being saved from euthanasia nationwide over five years. In Riverside County, animal rescue organizations will play a crucial role in this campaign. Mass adoption and fostering events are being planned, potentially starting in April.