Orland cat sanctuary pleads for metropolis funding amidst rising stray downside
by Muna Sadek
Orland cat sanctuary seems to metropolis for funding (KRCR).
ORLAND, Calif. —
Valerie Johnson says she’s began Hidden Treasures Sanctuary and Rescue in her two-bedroom home, caring for dumped and deserted kittens in Glenn County.
In the final yr, her operation ballooned. Johnson says she’s now caring for upwards of 200 cats at a refurbished church property on East Walker Street in Orland. Johnson is now trying to town for assist, saying the cat downside in Orland has gotten uncontrolled and so they can’t get a deal with on it on their very own.
“We’re a public service and a assist to our complete space,” Johnson stated.
She went earlier than the Orland City Council on Sep. 19 to request funding, saying it takes round $15,000 a month to function the sanctuary. She’s requested metropolis council for roughly $6,000 to $7,000 to assist with bills.
Councilmembers advised her they do not have the funds and raised issues about residents paying for a service they do not straight make the most of.
“You’re not asking us for vouchers. You’re asking for money to pay for PG&E and hire,” stated Mayor Chris Dobbs in final week’s assembly.
Other councilmembers say the sanctuary ought to current a business plan and function extra like a business than a non-profit.
“We’re a nonprofit for a motive. We must increase our costs and that defeats our complete goal,” Johnson stated.
Hidden Treasures has spayed and neutered greater than 700 cats within the final yr. Spays costing $125 and neuters $75.
Johnson says they’ve not too long ago needed to preserve cats on the sanctuary longer as a result of a recent respiratory virus outbreak. She says metropolis officers have requested her about euthanizing the cats however says it would by no means be an choice.
“No, we’re not going to do this. These are lovely, wholesome cats,” she stated.
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