News & Info

2007 - 2008 City of Myrtle Beach
Grant Funding Cover Letter

Mayor and Members of the City Council, Myrtle Beach

Re: Cover letter for Grant Funding for 2007-2008

Sav-R-Cats is a not for profit IRS 501c3 tax-deductible organization whose sole purpose is to protect and defend the care and rights of animals, BUT most especially feral Cats. Our aim is to employ a system of trap-neuter-return (TNR) program to depopulate the feral feline growth rate within the City of Myrtle Beach. When feral, stray lost or unclaimed cats are trapped by humane methods they are taken to a Veterinary Clinic. At the clinic these felines are examined for fleas, ear mites, injuries, infections, worms etc., then they are either spayed or neutered preventing the cats from procreating; they are vaccinated for rabies and then returned to their original territory. When the cats are returned to their own territory they act as guardians of their area, not allowing and keeping out new cats from invading their area. Consequently there is an immediate reduction of cats, nuisance behaviors (i.e., cat fights, noise, pungent urine, and scavenging), and a safer cleaner environment. A cat colony can consist of between 1 and 25 cats or more. SRC volunteers who care for feline colonies are called caretakers, they supervise, provide food, water, shelter, and vet care for the colonies. SRC underwrites all of the costs and essential services for these felines, including the igloos where the animals house themselves during inclement weather of wind rain, cold, storms etc.

There are 15 feline colonies in the City of Myrtle Beach SRC care- takers are supervising. The services we have been offering reduced the feral cat population primarily due to the TNR program. We have diminished the feral cat nuisance calls to the City; and subsequently reduced the shelter impoundment rate. Feral cats are no longer breeding or scavenging neighborhoods for food. Our stabilized colonies have also kept the rat, mice, snake, and palmetto bugs in check within the community. The City and its citizens are benefiting from the work of SRC by the aforementioned activities, care and protection of the health welfare and safety of both cats and citizens.

Sav-R-Cats is requesting a grant of $15,000.00 to continue. The work we are doing by humanely resolving the feral, lost, and abandoned cat problems presently and continually being faced by the City of Myrtle Beach. The City as a Mecca for tourist, holiday time, and recreational visitors attracts millions of travelers and vacationers, thusly the City plays an important role in the economic vibrancy of this area. Unquestionably, there THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF THESE VISITORSare many animal lovers amongst the vacationers visiting the area. Our aim is to let them feel secure in knowing that if they witness feral cats scampering around the numerous City restaurant parking lots, the cats are being humanely and properly looked after and taken cared of. During the many years of our existence we have received such calls regarding this scenario. The emails, telephone calls and letters have come to us from people who visit Myrtle Beach from other States, SRC corresponds to all of the inquiries stating in mostly all cases the feral situation is well in hand and under control in Myrtle Beach. Lastly, Myrtle Beach’s reputation must be that it humanely, and conscientiously cares for animals, as well as its vacationers, tourists, and travelers.

Submitted By:

Harry Pavilack, President
John E. Bonsignor, V.P.