To the Editor:

On a recent Friday night two 3-week-old kittens were dropped off at the side pen of the Haywood County Animal Shelter. Luckily Officer Jeff Stamey found them that night and contacted Sarge’s Animal Rescue. They had a nursing mom who readily accepted these “orphans.” The person who tossed them in the side pen might have had good intentions, but they should have taken them in when the shelter was open. Had Officer Stamey not found the kittens Friday it is likely they would have died of exposure and hunger.   

Unwanted litters, whether dropped in the side pen or brought to the shelter, cause overcrowding at the shelter and they are at high risk for contracting catch contagious diseases. 

Is their momma cat still roaming around, ready and able to have more kittens? The shelter has a Spay Momma program. Cat owners and dog owners can surrender the litter when it is weaned and will receive a voucher to have momma SPAYED FOR FREE from Haywood Spay/Neuter so that situation will not happen again. 

In Haywood County, money is no impediment to getting your pet spayed or neutered. Most owners are charged only $10 or $20 for the surgery and a rabies vaccination. We can even help if transportation to register for the service or to drop off /pick up of the pet is a problem.

Connie Hewitt, president

Haywood Spay Neuter