A recent incident highlights the importance of community programs directed at maintaining a healthy and desirable environment for us all.

Fearless Kitty Rescue was recently contacted by an animal care agency that was overwhelmed with cats and kittens: 244 to be exact.

They sent emails asking shelters to take some cats and kittens; Fearless was unable to provide help as we are committed to the residents of Fountain Hills and we need to manage our resources to address our community’s needs. A tough decision, but a responsible one given our resources.

Where did all of these cats and kittens come from? Many were from cat colonies in the county, some were found and dropped off, some from owners with non-spayed or neutered pets. What will happen to all of these cats and kittens? Some will be taken to other facilities, some will be adopted, but many will probably be euthanized.

Fearless Kitty Rescue is committed to minimizing the chance of such an over-population of cats and kittens in our community.

The Trap/Neuter/Release program proposed in the Republic Services grant will result in fewer cats being born in the feral cat colonies.

Additionally, all cats and kittens available for adoption from Fearless have been spayed or neutered. And, Fearless Kitty Rescue maintains its “No Kill” policy by managing the number of cats and kittens accepted. We are currently at capacity for kittens with a waiting list of those that will be accepted as others are adopted.

Hard decisions must be made in order to be able to operate and service our community. Please support Fearless Kitty Rescue with your vote at www.republicgivesback.com. Note: voting ends Aug. 15.

It’s about the environment, our expectations for a clean and humane community, and providing the resources necessary to achieve our goals.