Time running out for stray cats
Feb. 14—For the last six month, Cindy Craig has been driving to Palestine from Bullard to feed and care for cats living in the wooded area behind the former Office Depot building, 2117 S. Loop 256 in Palestine. The lives of those cats are now in danger due to pending construction and Craig needs help moving them by Friday.
"We can't save them all but we can same some and that makes all the heart, money, sacrifices and hard work that so many people have given and made worth it," Craig said.
Craig said there are approximately 23 cats in various stages of life living in the area behind the building. While many are wild, she feels that some were dumped by their owners. She said she has been driving to Palestine daily to feed the cats.
"One day I was in my car at Brookshire's and I noticed a cat walking towards the wooded area behind the store," Craig said. "I went into the store and bought some cat food and went over to the area and was going to try to get the cat to come with me. When I got there, I realized there was way more than one and they were mostly feral."
Spending around $60 a week, Craig not only provides food, but also bought shelters with material and straw for the cats to get in during inclement weather.
However, time is ticking, demolition and construction crews are gearing up to work on the building to transform the site into the new Aldi's location and Craig has been told the cats probably wouldn't survive the demolition process.
"The man I spoke with wasn't rude or mean, he just matter of factly said they would most likely get run over by the heavy equipment that would be used to for the upcoming construction project."
"We have a dog, but my husband is not really a pet person or I would try to take them all home," she said.
On Wednesday, Craig said she met with members of BARC, the Anderson County Humane Society, and they were able to develop a plan in place but she needs help trapping the cats.
"If animal control, or someone can take the cats to the humane society, BARC is willing to get them all spayed/neutered," Craig said.
On Wednesday, Chief Mark Harcrow and City Manager Teresa Herrera, who had not heard of this issue before they were contacted, said animal control would do what they could to try to help trap the cats to be taken to BARC.
Craig's mom has generously offered to allow all the cats be released onto her land where Craig can continue to care for them.
Craig said she was told it will cost BARC approximately $125 to spay/neuter as well as give rabies shots and feline test each cat. This does not include the care for any pregnant females, which there would be additional cost for.
Craig said the humane society is in need of donations as this is going to be costly endeavor to take care of more than 20 cats she has been caring for.
Craig said anyone who would like to help can make specific donations at BARC for the "Office Depot cats" and all proceeds will go towards them.
"Palestine is full of cruel, irresponsible people," Craig said. "It is seen everyday with all the colonies of cats in the area, not to mention the dozens of dogs dumped daily, but it is also full of a lot of good people as well. Good people we need to help stand in the gap for these animals. People we need to advocate with us and tell the city no more. This is only possible if we as a community come together and stand up for our pets."
