A FREE neutering scheme for cats and kittens in the EX20 area has been introduced for a limited period.
The scheme is instigated by the Hatherleigh and Okehampton branch of the Cats Protection League and supported by the national organisation.
Branch co-ordinator Joan Hutchison said there was a need to stop the unwanted interbreeding of cats and the spread of feline aids.
?Neutering cats and kittens is one of the key things. Being a rural area we often have farmers contacting us if they need help with neutering,? she said.
?At the farms they may be dealing with a high number of cats because if a queen turned up with kittens the population soon escalates unless a neutering programme is set up.
?This is where the Cats Protection League comes in. If invited we are very keen to get onto the farms, trap the cats, have them neutered and then return them,? said Mrs Hutchison.
She said that in the past there were ?old wives? tales? that neutered cats did not hunt.
?This is a total fallacy and we are now largely overcoming that,? she said.
The EX20 neutering scheme is also designed to assist senior citizens and anyone on a low income or who is entitled to claim benefit.
?We are all volunteers and have to raise our own funds for the everyday costs of maintaining a cattery.
?We have eight cat fosterers and other people that help with fund raising,? said Mrs Hutchison.
Full information on the scheme can be obtained by calling Joan or Elaine on 01837 840610.