The Regency Park Project

Project Overview

The request for help went out and it seemed daunting: Regency Park, a Sacramento mobile home park, was slated for demolition in just a few short weeks and was populated by an estimated 50 to 70 feral cats. FieldHaven’s first response was that our resources were already stretched too thin in our own county/community to be able to offer any help.

FieldHaven volunteers Jen Rosebrook, Sharon Kurth, and Marie Salers did not share that feeling and showed up at Regency Park for the first of many nights trapping, joining a number of other rescues, shelters, and animal welfare organizations from the greater Sacramento area. On the first night, several dozen cats were trapped and hustled off to Animal Spay and Neuter in Auburn, California. Many were brought to FieldHaven for recovery. Jen turned her garage into a temporary holding area for several more, but most of the cats were recovered with organizations in the Sacramento area.

As the trapping continued, it became apparent that there were many more than the estimated 50 to 70 cats. Project coordinator Julie Lindsey of Sisters Animal Sanctuary fired off emails in search of more support. The response was great as each organization stretched the boundaries of their capabilities and helped in whatever way they could. At FieldHaven, we began an email networking campaign in an effort to place feral cats in safe barn homes. The networking paid off: we were able to place over fifty feral cats!

The FieldHaven Regency Park team consisted of several volunteers who matched the feral cats with prospective homes. The cats were delivered to their new homes by the team, with FieldHaven providing cages and other supplies, as well as education to the caregivers on how to take care of the ferals. We have heard great things from caregivers about their new Rodent Raiders. John and Brittney established a colony on their large ranch outside Reno, Nevada and they report that they have all settled in well and are working hard. Mary says that her new kitty, Taffy, is “having a blast.” Thanks to everyone who went the “green” way and went with feline rodent control instead of nasty chemicals.

As the project wound down several weeks later, the total came in: 157 cats were rescued, with vet bills totaling nearly $40,000! Not all of the cats were feral: Regina and Rumble Lee are “friendly” kitties from Regency Park who were put up for regular adoption.

This incredible show of support is proof-positive that by joining hands we can achieve the seemingly impossible. We salute everyone that believed they could all be saved – you were all right!