France/In Sarthe, a new association helps mayors sterilize cats in their communes
In Parcé-sur-Sarthe, a new association has been set up to sterilize stray cats. Here's how it works.
Jean-Jacques Bienaimé has been trapping stray cats for sterilization for several years, first in La Flèche(Sarthe) where he used to live and then around Parcé-sur-Sarthe.
A new association to sterilize stray cats
With Linda Klein and Mireille Chevalier, respectively secretary and treasurer, they decided to set up a specific association, to formalize a new activity.
"The aim is to trap and sterilize cats, in partnership with local authorities and 30 million friends," explains Linda.
"This allows us to structure Jean-Jacques' missions within a legal framework, and to work with other associations.
Created in January, the association was formalized in April.
New legislation
With the new legislation published in January, the mayor becomes responsible for the stray animal population. By helping mayors to sterilize stray cats, the association is helping to regulate the feline population.
"It's better to catch and sterilize stray cats and then put them back, than to make empty space that will soon be filled by other animals. "
Supporting mayors
Au Service des Chats provides mayors with the files (agreements) and the entire procedure.
"The aim is to support them in their procedures so that they can benefit from funding from 30 million friends. "
The mayor must make the request in an agreement on a dedicated portal, indicating an estimated number of cats to be sterilized. 30 millions d'Amis helps the commune finance the operation, and the sterilized cats are identified as belonging to the commune.
"The mayor must also commit to feeding the sterilized cats (Au Service des Chats has limited resources and does not provide food).
The municipality must provide land and food, and find volunteers to feed the cats.
Agreements already signed
Au Service des Chats plans to operate throughout western Sarthe, and under the impetus of the association, several communes have already signed an agreement with 30 millions d'amis: Montval-sur-Loir, Le Lude, Malicorne, La Suze, Bazouges-Cré-sur-Loir, Beaumont Pied de Bœuf (72) and La Flèche. Initiatives are underway in Loué, Champagné (near Le Mans), Vion and Luché-Pringé.
"Our aim is also to make ourselves and the scheme better known, so that other existing associations can do the same elsewhere, and cats can be cared for throughout the département. We want to encourage as many cats as possible to be sterilized.
Sterilization limits the reproduction of stray cats, and over the years, if the sterilization operation is repeated, the cat population decreases instead of growing exponentially.
Au Service des Chats is ready to distribute the framework and documents to these associations to help them promote the scheme.
Support the association
A Facebook page is currently being created. Followers will be able to follow the association's activities, trappings, new communes joining the scheme, etc.
"As soon as we've been in existence for 12 to 16 months, we'll apply for recognition as an association of general interest.
In the meantime, you can help the association by donating money (to cover the cost of travel to the communes), as well as kibbles, litter and blankets.
Source: actu.fr/
