BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Ten Lives Club--a privately funded cat adoption agency in Blasdell--placed just under 2,000 cats and kittens in forever homes last year alone. While that may seem like a lot, thousands of felines are still in shelters across Erie County waiting to be adopted.
Under the proposed "Feline (Cat) Adoption Promotion Act of 2019, a cat who's owner is not identifiable--meaning there are no tags, collars or microchips with the cat--can be put up for adoption as early as three days after being found. Currently, the law calls for a five day waiting period.
Shelters argue this legislation would not only move more adoptable cats through, but it would also help cut down on feline illnesses in the shelter. The drawback, however, is the amount of time families would have to locate their furry friend.
"Being able to welcome more animals that come into a shelter may save their lives," Dr. Sharon Fisk of Ten Lives Club said. However, she understands the worry some cat owners may express. Her suggestion: "The fallout with this is that people really need to get their animals microchipped."
"We do microchips all the time here," Brighton-Eggert veterinarian, Dr. Alyce Schaefer, said. She says it depends on your pets lifestyle on whether to get them microchipped or not, but says if you do get it done, it could save you the worry.
Schaefer stressed the importance of ensuring your pets microchip information is always up to date.
