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Siskiyou County, home to the iconic Mount Shasta and encompassing a vast area roughly the size of Connecticut, faces a significant feral cat overpopulation crisis. This crisis mirrors the challenges seen in the Central Valley, yet often goes overlooked due to the county’s remote location, lower population density, and limited resources. The poverty rate in the county is slightly higher than the state average, making it difficult for local organizations to address the issue without external support.
Since its establishment in 2006, STAR has been a dedicated advocate for the humane management of feral cat populations in this underserved region. Our founder, Barbara Lovelace, pioneered TNR efforts, successfully reducing shelter intakes and improving the lives of countless cats. In 2019, due to health concerns and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, STAR temporarily paused operations, relying on the continued successful services of two other organizations.
However, in 2022, a series of events created a critical turning point leading to a significant gap in services and a resurgence of feral cat overpopulation. Recognizing the urgent need, STAR re-emerged with new leadership in November 2023. With over 30 years of experience in animal welfare, our new leadership has already made a significant impact. We’ve TNR’d over 250 cats, preventing an estimated 297 kitten births in 2024. Our high-intensity TNR approach has successfully halted reproduction in some of the largest colonies in South Siskiyou County.