New Eastern Idaho partnership strives to reduce growing cat population

Six animal welfare organizations across East Idaho came together today to serve homeless animals in need.

The “All About the Animals Coalition” organization is made up of the Snake River Animal Shelter, the Blackfoot Animal Shelter, For the Love of Pets, the Portneuf Animal Welfare Society, the Bingham County Humane Society, the Pocatello Animal Shelter, the Rexburg Animal Shelter and the Fort Hall Reservation Organized Animal Rescue.

These organizations typically work independently from each other but are putting aside competition to help reduce the growth of the cat population.

“We all want to partner and work well together in order to serve the homeless animals in need,” said Kristin Sanger, the executive director of Snake River Animal Shelter, Inc.

According to Sanger, about 60 percent of healthy cats are euthanized due to overpopulation in Eastern Idaho.

“The cat population is the one that’s a real challenge for the euthanasia rate because the population is out of control,” said Sanger.

The group will host and sponsor spay and neutering programs to combat the extensive cat population.

“Cats can reproduce two to three times a year, so managing the cat population is a little bit more of a focus for us because it does look like the dog population isn’t at risk,” said Sanger.

You can volunteer or contribute to the organization by visiting their website.