Chelan proclaims Feb. 24 World Spay Day

CHELAN — The Chelan City Council proclaimed February 24 as World Spay Day, spotlighting local efforts to reduce animal overpopulation and support responsible pet ownership in the valley.

City Clerk Peri Gallucci presented the proclamation during the Feb. 10 council meeting, calling attention to the ongoing need for spaying and neutering pets and community cats.

“We cannot rescue our way out of the animal population crisis that we have,” Gallucci said, encouraging residents to adopt, sponsor spay or neuter services, and support local programs.

World Spay Day, first initiated in 1995, is now observed in more than 70 countries. The annual event promotes affordable access to spay and neuter services as a way to reduce euthanasia rates and prevent uncontrolled breeding.

Nationally, an estimated 600,000 cats and dogs are euthanized in U.S. shelters each year due to limited resources and overcrowding. An estimated 20 million pets in the United States live in poverty and lack access to affordable spay and neuter services.

Locally, the Chelan Valley Feral Cat Project has played a key role in addressing the issue. According to figures shared during the meeting, the group — working alongside local veterinarians — has trapped, neutered and released 516 cats and rehomed 216 kittens.

You can find out more about that project and even donate to their cause by going to https://www.chelanferalcats.org.

Gallucci noted that trap-neuter-release programs have been shown to significantly reduce feral cat populations over time. She also encouraged residents to consider donating to local spay and neuter efforts, including funds administered through area veterinary offices.

In the proclamation, Mayor Erin McCardle formally called on Chelan residents to observe World Spay Day by having their pets spayed or neutered, or by sponsoring the procedure for a pet in need.

Chelan residents at the council meeting welcomed the proclamation with a standing ovation, the first such applause, McCardle noted, in her time in the chamber. It was a heartfelt gesture reflecting the community’s support for the cause.

World Spay Day will be observed locally on February 24.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media