BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG – A fundraiser aimed at offsetting the cost of a local trap, neuter and return program to limit the growing feral cat population will be held Saturday beginning at 6 p.m. at the Freight House.

Proceeds will benefit Summit Wildlife, which is led by Shannon Demers.

Summit Wildlife Rehab is a small home based 501C3 non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of small mammals and turtles with the expectation of release into the wild. 

Feral cats have become a growing concern in many communities throughout St. Lawrence County and with 28 rabies cases confirmed across a variety of animals, including cats, the issue has become a concern for many.

In September, an Oswegatchie man had to be treated for rabies after reportedly being attacked by a feral cat with rabies.

In Massena, social media posts have circulated regarding the issue as well.

At a recent city council meeting Ogdensburg Deputy Mayor Jennifer Stevenson shared details about the event.

The “Save the Cats” event will take place Saturday at the Freight House restaurant and will feature trivia, live music, basket auctions and a 50/50 raffle. Trivia is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by music from Permanent Detour from 8 to 10 p.m.

Stevenson said local groups are working to manage the feral cat population, often relying on private funds and money raised through community fundraising events.

Proceeds from the event will support a trap-neuter-return program, which aims to control the feral cat population while providing care for the animals.

Under the program, cats are trapped and evaluated. Cats that can be socialized are placed in homes after receiving vaccinations and being spayed or neutered. 

She said cats that are too feral to be domesticated are returned to the communities where they were found after being sterilized, preventing them from reproducing.

For its part St. Lawrence County Public Health is asking residents to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets from rabies.

Residents should report all animal bites or possible rabies exposures to St. Lawrence County Public Health at (315) 386-2325.

They ask residents to ensure that pets and livestock, including indoor cats, are up to date on rabies vaccinations, supervise pets outdoors, and feed them indoors. 

They say the public should avoid feeding, touching, or adopting wild animals or stray pets. 

To reduce wildlife activity near homes, residents should secure garbage, compost, birdseed, and pet food. 

If a wild animal is living near a home, residents should contact an animal control officer. 

If a pet or livestock animal may have been exposed to a rabid animal, residents should contact their veterinarian and Public Health immediately.