My name is Calla Gibson, the owner and founder of Calla's Critter Rescue in Elverson, PA. Our mission has always been to control the cat population within our community. However, this year we've seen a drastic increase in feline reproduction that has overwhelmed not only us but other rescue organizations as well.

Chester County is one of the many areas in Pennsylvania facing a serious issue with its growing cat population. This problem extends beyond just owned cats; it includes stray and feral cats that are often fed by kind-hearted individuals but are not spayed or neutered. The belief "If you feed them, you own them" should be upheld with responsibility to sterilize these animals. TNR (trap neuter release) services need to be government funded and widely available for those with colonies of cats which would include sterilization, medical treatment if necessary, rabies vaccinations and ear tipping. 

The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that unowned free-roaming cats have an average of 1-4 litters per year with an average of 3-6 kittens per litter (AVMA). These numbers highlight the urgency for mandatory sterilization laws for all domesticated felines - owned or otherwise.

We need legislation requiring all domesticated felines - whether they're indoor pets, outdoor strays or wild ferals - to be spayed or neutered. This will significantly reduce the number of unwanted kittens born each year and alleviate pressure on animal rescues like ours that are overrun and exhausted from trying to manage this crisis alone.

It's time for higher powers to step up and take action on this pressing issue affecting our county's animal welfare system. Please sign this petition urging Chester County lawmakers and surrounding areas to enact mandatory cat sterilization laws now!