By Carey Sharp, Mower County Humane Society

The Mower County Humane Society has experienced a population explosion. Both the cat and dog sides of the shelter are filled beyond a comfortable capacity. Hindering the situation: adoptions are down and requests to take in animals have increased greatly.

The cat side has been hit especially hard. Currently, volunteers are caring for 102 adult cats and 47 kittens within the shelter — a record number. The shelter was built to house about 100 cats comfortably. Caring for 149 cats has put a huge amount of stress on both the shelter’s volunteers and resources.

It doesn’t end with the cats housed at the MCHS facility. There are 21 kittens in foster care because they require round the clock attention. The majority of these kittens came from within the city of Austin. Two litters alone netted 15 kittens. Sadly, calls come in from all over Mower County regarding cats and kittens dumped on rural properties. The MCHS simply cannot accommodate all of them.

Those in foster care will eventually have to enter the MCHS and space is very limited. Kittens can’t be adopted until they are spayed or neutered. This takes at least three months, prolonging the overcrowding at the shelter.

The 170 cats for which the MCHS is responsible is just the tip of the iceberg. Far too many more are allowed to run loose and reproduce. Spaying and neutering is the only surefire and responsible way to control animal overpopulation. Even one litter of cute kittens can have a major, negative impact on the overpopulation problem.

The MCHS works incredibly hard to promote spaying and neutering within the community. Currently the shelter hosts the Minnesota Spay and Neuter Assistance Program (MNSNAP) at the MCHS facility every other month. This program provides low cost spay and neuter surgeries for people earning under $40,000 a year. The MNSNAP crew will be at the MCHS on July 24 and Sept. 19. Appointment information and eligibility requirements can be found at www.mnsnap.org or by calling 612-720-8236.

The MCHS has been overwhelmed by community support recently. On May 31, The Cooperative Response Center (CRC) hosted a “meet and greet” fundraiser to benefit the shelter. This event was chaired by CRC employees Julie Schramek and Angie Duis and collected over $1,000 and supplies. It included employee fundraising and a silent auction and it’s not over yet. This great group of people is still working to raise funds to benefit the MCHS.

Local resident Brian Pirmantgen recently organized Paddlin’ for Pets, a day long canoe trip to benefit the MCHS. Participants collected donations totaling $605 and supplies for the animals. Thanks so much for your hard work.

The MCHS rummage sale, held during the Three Rivers Days Antique/Flea Market was a success. Thanks to the efforts of MCHS volunteers and donations from the public, over $1,200 was raised.

The MCHS is also thankful for donations received in honor of “Callie Kitty,” “Mercedes” Olson, Dan Ramlo’s birthday, Arlis Clennon, “Peaches” Zachara, Clarence and Thelma Nybo, and many in honor of Tom Forstner.