Dumfries, Va. –– One organization is working to spay and neuter feral cats, one feline at a time.
Residents who live near feral cat colonies may soon be able to call the Prince William County Animal Shelter, which will then have someone from the non-profit Save a Dog Save a Cat organization teach them how to trap the cats, so the residents then take them to the animal shelter to have them spayed or neutered, and then bring them back to the colony, as part of the “One Spay at a Time” program.
“The concentration of feral cat colonies is widespread, although they may be more often found near strip malls, apartment complexes…anywhere there is not only a food source,” said SADSAC president Sherry Meier. “They will breed to the available food source, so that is where the numbers are highest- where people leave food out for them, dumpsters, farms, etc.”
Though organizers are still waiting to meet with officials at the county’s animal shelter in Independent Hill to discuss the finer details of the prorgam, but the One Spay at a Time program is funded through the sale of Virginia’s Animal Friendly vanity license plates. The county has collected $6,000 through the sale of the plates so far, and Meier hopes more residents will purchase the plates and donate to their cause.
Organizers say that many people are willing to feed feral cats because they like to have them around their homes to keep the rodent population down, but add they should go the extra mile and have the cats spayed or neutered to control the cat population.
“Neutering and vaccinating feral cats stops the population growth, eventually ending the colony, reduces the possibility for Rabies exposure, decreases the number of adult feral cats (that are unadoptable) being brought into the shelter, decreases the amount of unwanted kittens brought into the shelter – thus reducing euthanasia rates – saves the shelter and county money to trap, pick up, house, feed and euthanize these cats, and is a public service to the citizens of the county,” said Meier.
Organizers hope the service will be in place by Jan. 1, and hope they can offer it as a free service that would mirror a similar service in Fairfax County, said Meier.
The group is looking for monetary donations for the program, which can be mailed to SADSAC, P.O. Box 972, Dumfries, Va. 22026.
Donations of toner cartridges, cat food, and traps can be brought to the Independent Hill Vet Clinic, 13444 Dumfries Road.
This story has been corrected.
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The disciplinary action taken against Patriot High School Principal Michael Bishop earlier this month is the latest chapter in a turbulent tenure at the school, Insidenova.com reports.
Bishop was placed on involuntary leave, the school announced Jan. 9.
The school division did not provide further details upon request from InsideNoVa because it is a “personnel matter,” said Diana Gulotta, the school system’s director of communications.
Fredericksburg police arrested Daquan Warren, 24, for a December 2024 shooting and investigated a January 20 shots fired and burglary incident on Townsend Boulevard. Stafford County saw assaults at Chatham Heights Road and North Stafford High School, a break-in on Ripley Road, and larcenies at Walmart, Buffalo Wild Wings, and an ABC store. In Prince William County, a strong-arm robbery on Balls Ford Road resulted in the arrest of Jose Fernando Martinez-Gonzalez. Authorities urge public assistance with investigations and provide tips hotlines for each jurisdiction.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.