The Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) convened a panel discussion yesterday to address the escalating issue of homeless cat overpopulation. The event was graced by three nationally recognized experts in community and shelter cat and kitten management.
According to a press release from Riverside County, the panel discussion, which was invitation-only, took place at the Western Riverside County shelter in Jurupa Valley. Among those who shared their insights were television star and cat behavior expert Jackson Galaxy, Dr. Julie Levy, a professor of Shelter Medicine at the University of Florida, and Dr. Kate Hurley, program director of the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program. Cat volunteers and foster caregivers also attended the event.
As per the same press release, RCDAS recorded the highest intake of cats nationwide in 2023, with a live release rate of 51%. In June 2023, the county initiated a pet support program that resulted in saving more than 4,000 animals brought into county shelters. Cats accounted for two-thirds of these rescued animals.
Galaxy, Levy and Hurley recommended practices based on the Million Cat Challenge according to the county's press release. This initiative has been instrumental in saving over 3 million cats across the United States since it began in 2014. Following their participation in the panel discussion, these three experts planned to spend three days at the Jurupa Valley campus assisting shelter staff and community cat advocates in developing a strategy aimed at saving 5,000 Riverside County cats in 2024. "This opportunity stands to make a significant difference in the lives of cats in our community and those entering our shelter system. I am grateful for this collaboration of experts to help us reach this goal," stated RCDAS Director Erin Gettis.
"In 2023, Riverside shelters had one of the highest cat and kitten intakes nationwide. This year we are pleased that the Department of Animal Services is inviting the community to help save 5,000 cat and kitten lives," Hurley was quoted as saying in the press release.