Luseland, a picturesque town in recent times, has witnessed a burgeoning population, albeit not of the human kind. Over the past year, residents have observed a consistent surge in the numbers of stray and feral cats, leading to an increasing concern within the community. Despite numerous appeals to the Town of Luseland office, residents have seen minimal changes in the situation.
Marita Obrigewitch, a concerned resident, joined forces with a few others to voice their apprehensions at a recent Town of Luseland council meeting. Their proposed course of action involves seeking financial assistance from the town to enlist the support of KC Rescue, a volunteer-driven and donation-based charity situated in Unity, to address the issue.
The funds would be allocated to aid KC Rescue in covering expenses related to vaccinations, disease testing, and neutering for each of the affected felines. KC Rescue, already stretched thin with its responsibilities of sheltering, feeding, and providing medical care for its existing feline occupants, faces the daunting prospect of dealing with the growing number of stray and feral cats in Luseland, which could significantly impact the charity’s financial stability.
Town representatives have acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and have identified that the cats are primarily attracted to homes where they receive food and shelter.
Mayor Kathy Wurz emphasized, “If they genuinely want to assist, they should consider rehoming the animals, connecting with farmers in need of skilled mousers, and finding permanent homes for these animals.” She also highlighted concerns about the unsightly conditions, ammonia odors, and pet-related nuisances that are straining neighborly relations and detracting from the town’s overall appearance.
In an ideal scenario, Obrigewitch and KC Rescue hope to see these animals receiving proper care, albeit not in the current manner. A Facebook group called “Whisker Watch” has been established, enabling feline advocates to collaborate in finding these animals suitable homes. Obrigewitch is optimistic about the potential of the KC Rescue Barn Buddy program, which aims to rehome cats not suited for indoor living.
Whisker Watch is actively reaching out to Luseland residents and local businesses, seeking donations to equip its members with the necessary means to capture the stray cats. These donations will also serve to alleviate the financial burden on KC Rescue for the mentioned expenses.
The town, while acknowledging the issue, is unable to provide direct assistance due to constraints related to manpower and the logistical challenges of housing captured animals. As budget considerations loom, rising costs across town operations have left Luseland in a challenging position regarding support for KC Rescue. Nevertheless, Mayor Wurz is open to the community’s proactive involvement and remains hopeful that a collective effort will emerge to resolve this pressing issue.
Obrigewitch has garnered some support from fellow town residents, and she anticipates that, with increased awareness, the community will rally together to address the situation effectively.
