FEATURED NEWS

FEATURED NEWS

New Initiatives for PANT

P.A.N.T., Dutchess County’s resource for feral and abandoned cats, announced today new initiatives in Rhinebeck Village and the City of Beacon. The announcement coincides with a refining of the organization’s mission, the re-launch of a new and improved web site, and a broad effort to raise the visibility of its programs.

In the past, PANT focused only on adoptions. Since 2001 P.A.N.T. volunteers have placed approximately 250-350 dogs and cats in loving homes each year. Joan Trombini, President, explains, “While we plan to continue our adoption program, we decided that we could be more effective if we focus on the group that is most in need – the feral and abandoned cats. Dutchess County has lagged behind neighboring counties in this area. We are committed to reducing the explosive growth of these animals.”

To accomplish these goals, Ms. Trombini and her team of volunteers have developed a model program. “Our initial model consists of three important components: educating residents about TNR – Trap/ Neuter/ – the only proven methodology for reducing cat populations, developing a network of veterinarians and volunteers to assist with low-cost spay/neuter programs for feral and stray cats, and raising funds to cover expenses and provide matching grants for people who are assisting these cats.”

P.A.N.T. is currently testing its model in the Village of Rhinebeck and the City of Beacon. Why these two locations? “Well, that’s easy,” said Ms. Trombini. “Volunteer trappers in both areas asked for our assistance and offered to put in substantial hours on all three components of the program. In addition, we thought this was a great opportunity to simultaneously test our model in both a small village and a larger city.”

What’s next for P.A.N.T.? Ms. Trombini laughs as she counts on her fingers. “Like most small, volunteer organizations, we need more of everything -- more money, more visibility, more volunteers, more foster parents, more adoption events, and more time in the day.” What doesn’t she need? “More cats, that’s for sure. We’re drowning in cats at the moment, but we are confident we can improve the situation.”

Interested in helping out? Click on the How You Can Help button on pant.org and learn about volunteer opportunities.