November 24, 2009

Arizona Humane Society adopts nearly 300 cats and kittens in three days

(PHOENIX) – This Thanksgiving, the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is thankful for the help it received last weekend in finding nearly 300 cats and kittens homes. In an attempt to save lives, the nonprofit organization waived its adoption fee for cats and kittens over the past weekend, asking instead for a donation. The effort resulted in 271 cats and kittens finding their new forever homes and also generated an additional $4,000 in donations for the AHS. On a typical weekend the AHS adopts an average of 100 animals including cats, kittens, dogs, puppies and critters.

“The response from the public has been overwhelming,” said Bob Citrullo, director of support services for AHS. “We would like to thank everyone who came to adopt a cat or kitten from our shelters, as well as thank the local media for helping us get the word out. What matters most is that lives were saved and we now have the opportunity to save even more lives with the newly freed space in our kennels.”

Since January 1, AHS has taken over 20,000 cats and kittens alone – nearly half its total yearly animal intake. Typically the organization sees an influx of cats and kittens in the spring and summer months, but in the past two years, “cat/kitten season” has lasted well into November and December.  At one point the organization steadily received an average intake of 100 cats and kittens per day, resulting in the organization placing a large, rather blunt sign warning owners that surrendering their cats could result in the animals being humanely put to death.

“It’s a great day when we can take down the warning sign, allowing us to assist the cats and kittens and other animals who need our help – without having to worry about space,” said Citrullo.

However, AHS is a nonprofit organization that receives no government funding and is not affiliated with any other humane society. The group relies on charitable donations and nominal fees for services to support the homeless pets in its care. To make a donation, please visit www.azhumane.org or call 602.997.7586, option 5.