Massive Outpouring Saves Williamson County Shelter Cats From Euthanasia

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — If you've been thinking of adopting a cat from the animal shelter, this weekend might be the most ideal time. Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter officials said they need to adopt out 100 cats or be forced to euthanize them.

"For the first time in years, we are facing a heartbreaking decision," shelter officials wrote on the shelter's Facebook page on Wednesday. "Find adoptive or foster homes in three days for 100 cats or euthanize healthy cats because we simply do not have the capacity to care for them."

To prevent the mass killing, the shelter is offering $1 adoptions through Sunday — a considerable discount from the normal $75 adoption fee. Shelter officials are also putting out a call to those able to provide foster homes for their animals.

The shelter is located at 1855 S.E. Inner Loop in Georgetown, Texas.

The good news: Since shelter officials sent out their plea for adoptions, area residents have descended to the place in droves eager to save a canine life. The day after their post, a dozen cats were place in homes, officials said.

"WOW! What a community we live in," shelter officials wrote in a subsequent Facebook post. "We planned to give you some days to prepare, but you stepped up and said 'Why wait?' After our post yesterday, 12 cats and kittens have already gone into foster. So, if you are ready, then we are with you! Why wait? Let's start our $1 adoptions today!"

By day's end Thursday, 80 cats had found feline forever homes after the public response to shelter officials pleas.

"We are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our community," shelter officials wrote in a subsequent post. "Thank you to everyone who came by the shelter and patiently waited to help! We know the lines were long, but your commitment to the animals paid off! 80 cats and kittens went home today because of YOU! Thank you!"

>>> Image via Wikimedia Commons