![](https://forcechange.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Stray-Kittens-pxhere.com_-400x268.jpg)
Target: Kevin Shea, the Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Goal: Reduce cat overpopulation by promoting spaying and neutering.
Millions of stray cats live within the U.S., and many of these cats present harm to the environment and other wildlife. Feral cats can damage property, possibly harm pedestrians and breed kittens that may be euthanized if found. Many mother cats will end up leaving their kittens to fend for themselves, which puts their lives in danger. Countless stray cats eventually end up in shelters where they may be euthanized because of a lack of space.
As more feral cat litters appear, prey populations slowly dwindle. Stray cats need to consume rodents and other small wildlife to survive, and based on the large number of feral cat colonies present, there will not be enough prey to feed them if their population continues to rise. Neutering/spaying stray cats will mean that fewer litters will be produced, cat aggression will decrease and prey populations will increase. The overpopulation of feral cats will come to a halt. Also, when cats are neutered/spayed, they cause less destruction, preventing any property damage.
Each day, millions of feral cats roam the streets without having anywhere to go. They live in damaging environments and pose issues to prey populations due to their overpopulation. If strays are not neutered/spayed, more of them will be produced and live harmful lives. Call on the federal government to help ensure fewer stray cats are born into danger.
PETITION LETTER
Dear APHIS administrator Kevin Shea,
Stray cat populations are continuing to rise, harming the environment and putting prey populations at risk. These cats are in danger themselves; they are often euthanized when taken to a shelter and live in tedious environments. As more litters emerge, more strays are left to wander and live a dangerous life. The only way to prevent this is through neutering/spaying such animals.
Feral cats are already overpopulating the environment, and they must be stopped. Property can be harmed, diseases can be spread and overall, some of these cats can be dangerous. Neutering/spaying them reduces their aggression and prevents anymore litters from emerging into an unsustainable situation. Such surgery is best for the safety of pedestrians and the cats themselves.
We urge you to promote the neutering/spaying of stray cats in order to improve their quality of life, the environment, pedestrian safety and the lives of prey. In order to ethically reduce stray populations, the production of any offspring must be properly hindered.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: PxHere