Help prevent cat, dog problem

The problem of unfixed cats and dogs has bothered me for some time. I live in an old Meridian neighborhood with many feral, stray and reproductive cats. Friends from other neighborhoods report the same problem. An elderly neighbor of mine fed cats because she did not want them to be hungry. These cats multiplied and became a threat to her safety by being underfoot. A kind individual (Kimberly Rushing) is helping her get these cats fixed and rehomed.

Meridian-Lauderdale County Animal Control has been helpful, caring and professional in my contacts with their staff. However, it was a big surprise to me that people are allowed to adopt intact animals, not spayed or neutered. This practice will not result in substantial improvement in the stray/feral population. Animals too young for fixing could be adopted with a contract to get this done at a later date.

Meridian-Lauderdale County has a fund for spay-neuter, worming, etc. to which citizens can contribute. Please consider a contribution so that more animals can be fixed or made healthier thus improving our city and county. Contributions can be made to Animal Control, 501 Cooper Ave., Meridian, MS 39301, phone 601-485-1956.

I am appreciative of the rescue groups who rehab and fix dogs for adoption. I am especially appreciative of Kimberly Rushing, who helps get cats fixed and rehomed. Mrs. Rushing and Animal Control can provide information about lower cost spay and neuter. It is my hope that Meridian-Lauderdale County can find ways to cooperate with citizens of goodwill to make improvement in this problem.

Mary Dunn

Meridian