Jackson – Amador County Animal Control and A-PAL representatives gained Supervisor approval Tuesday for an open house intended to help alleviate the growing number of adoptable cats under their care. General Services Association Director Jon Hopkins told the board there are 95 cats that currently need homes. Along with Susan Manning of the Feed Barn and Animal Control Director John Vail, Hopkins requested the board approve an open house where cats will be available for adoption at reduced fees. “In the last year we received 97 more cats and kittens than the same time the previous year,” said Vail. “The reason to reduce the adoption fee is to increase the draw and to get some of those animals into homes rather than potential euthanization,” he added. He said there were nine adopted animals at a similar open house last year held in conjunction with an event at the airport. Manning said the majority of attendees will likely “just want to see the animals.” Vail said there are currently close to 200 cats and kittens in A-PAL foster homes, a lot for a community this size. Supervisor Brian Oneto asked if they would also reduce the adoption fees on dogs. Manning said that finding homes for dogs hasn’t really been a problem. Vail also noted that picking up cats is exempted in the county ordinance and any cats they acquire are brought in. Supervisor Richard Forster asked why they had only recommended to reduce adoption fees by 50 percent. Hopkins said “we still want people who are responsible to adopt the pets.” Forster proposed a $20 reduced fee for cats and a $42 fee for dogs. Supervisor John Plasse felt that by reducing fees for only cats it would encourage more cat adoptions, but Forster compared it to a business model, saying it is better “the more product you can move.” The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the open house for Saturday, October 10 at 12340 Airport Road in Martell. It will include both cats and dogs. The adoption fee was set based on Forster’s proposal. A second open house will also occur at a to-be-determined date. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.