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Originally published Aug. 16, 2024
HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. – Are cat colonies invading the Northern Panhandle?
Local animal experts say there are large groups of feral cats in Hancock and Brooke Counties.
A Chester man, Gregory Arner, was recently charged with felony animal cruelty for allegedly killing a cat in Hancock County.
Hope Sayre, Daily Medical and Operations Manager of the Hancock County Animal Shelter, tells River News Network that there is a serious feral cat problem in the area.
There is a horrible feral cat population. There are two feral populations in Hancock County and five colonies in Weirton.
Hope Sayre, Daily Medical and Operations Manager of the Hancock County Animal Shelter
A cat colony has a least 10 cats but the number can be much greater, according to Sayre.
Sayre says her shelter and groups like Church Alley are working on solutions to the cat problem. Church Alley recently took 30 cats out of one colony and gave them veterinary care and behavioral rehabilitation. Sayre says 90 percent of young feral cats can be placed for adoption after they are screened, and, of course, spayed or neutered.
Some farmers will adopt the cats to use them as mousers on their properties, Sayre explained.
What is the solution to the feral cat problem? Sayre says spay and neuter programs are essential. There are even grants available to help pay for the cost, she said.
The number of kittens that a breeding pair of cats can produce is staggering. Sayre says that in just eight years, a pair of fertile cats can produce 2 million kittens. Kittens can become pregnant at just 4 months old.
Feral cats can damage property and hurt the environment by killing birds and small animals.
People feed the feral cats regularly and even build shelters for them and provide straw and bedding in the winter, Sayre says.
The Hancock County Animal Shelter also handles stray dogs, but Sayre says almost half of those are reclaimed by their owners. Sayre says that, unfortunately, some people think of cats as “disposable” and do not care for them as closely as they do dogs.
The Hancock County Animal Shelter offers education programs for people interested in adopting pets to set the new owners up for success, Sayre says. For more information on pets available for adoption or spay and neuter programs, visit the shelter’s website, Facebook page, or call them at 304-387-4102.