realitysoundbites.
While We’re Doing Better, There’s Always Room For Improvement
According to Best Friends Animal Society’s 2020 Lifesaving Findings Report, Florida is still number four on the list of the top five states that eutha- nized the most cats and dogs in 2019. The top three states, in order, are California (number one), then Texas and North Carolina with Louisiana coming in at number five. Florida animal shelters did a little
better in 2019, saving 78% of dogs and cats, up 5% from 2018. The total number of cats and dogs entering Florida shelters (private, municipal; kill and no-kill) was 361,478. Of that number, 282,021 cats and dogs were saved and 45,503 were euthanized. Nationally, the total number of cats
and dogs killed in 2018 was 733,000. The number in 2019 is 625,000, or 1,700 killed per day. While dog intakes at shelters are nearly 10% higher than cats, more than two cats are now being killed for every one dog. The reasons for this, Best Friends states, are outdated laws and ordinances, and road blocks preventing communities from imple- menting effective trap-neuter-return programs. “We need to get serious about sav-
ing more cats,” said Julie Castle, chief executive officer, Best Friends Animal
Society. “The recent data set from Best Friends Animal Society reveals that we are doing a fabulous job of saving the lives of dogs nationwide, but we must do more to save cats. Of the total num- ber of pets killed in shelters in 2019, 31% were dogs and a staggering 69% were cats.” While we still have a long way to
go, considering that 35 years ago 17 million sheltered animals were killed every year across the country, we’re moving in the right direction. Julie Castle, chief executive officer, Best Friends Animal Society, said, “Best
Friends has always believed that anyone can help homeless pets. You don’t need a rescue label, special credentials or permission to help save animals. Individual community members are the no-kill movement’s greatest resource.” She believes that putting this data
directly into the hands of the public allows community members and advo- cates to gain a better understanding of which shelters need help. To see the 2019 data, visit
BestFriends.org and click on Achieving No-Kill in America by 2025.
Meowsflash: Coffee Provides Jolt To Cat Adoptions
The Orlando Cat Café celebrated their 800th cat adoption on February 29, 2020. Sophie, a seven-month-old, gray and white domestic shorthair, was the 800th lucky kitty to find her forever home. The family came to the Cat Café specifically to adopt and received a gift basket of toys and treats as well as a new cat bed. “We couldn’t be happier to celebrate this milestone!” said Sandra
Cagan, owner of the Orlando Cat Café. “Since opening we have continued to increase the number of cat adoptions, and are confident that we will reach our 1,000th cat adoption right around the time of our four-year anniversary in September.” The Orlando Cat Café was the first cat café to open in Florida, and
has welcomed over 70,000 visitors from all over the world. Between 12 to 20 cats and kittens reside there, and are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on their vaccinations. They are available for adoption through SPCA Florida. The public is encouraged to enjoy a cup of Axum Coffee, a local coffeehouse and roastery, while communing with the cats. The Orlando Cat Café, 532 Cagan Park Avenue in the Cagan Crossings Town Center.
orlandocatcafe.com.
12 THE NEW BARKER
www.TheNewBarker.com
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