IMMOKALEE, Fla. — Snip Collier, a local Naples-based nonprofit and low-cost spay/neuter service, celebrated its first day of mobile operations at its new facilities Thursday.
The Snip Collier mobile unit is located on their Immokalee campus, near the Seminole Immokalee Casino.
“The cat population is just overwhelming all over Collier County,” said Tom Kepp, the founder of Snip.
The group trapped about 30 feral cats in the Immokalee area, gave them updated vaccines and fixed the animals before they were released into the wild Friday. All of the cats are currently living on the streets.
“They get run over. That’s the reality of it. They get run over, there’s predators, dogs is running everywhere,” added Kepp.
“Living outside is not easy for these cats. Their lifespan is about 5-7 years living outside, versus inside, it can be close to 15 for some breeds,” said Jose Lopez, a licensed veterinary technician who made the trip from Miami to assist in the operation.
According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), anywhere from 30-40 million feral cats exist in the United States. Estimates from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC) show that approximately 6-9 million animals live and roam in Florida.
According to the nonprofit, cats can give birth three times a year and, on average, have anywhere from 4-8 kittens.
“They multiply so fast, you really have to have a designated spay and neuter program in the County. That’s hard to do, but that’s what we are trying to do,” said Kepp.
The nonprofit points to large breeding operations that become overwhelmed and pet owners who can no longer care for their animals as the two largest reasons for the large feral population.
“There’s a need all over South Florida, and Snip has a great team. It’s nice to work in areas where you feel like you are going to make a difference. It’s more rural and a more finite group of animals,” said Naomi Turner, a veterinarian.
Snip Collier said they plan on continuing mobile operations while their new Immokalee Campus is still under construction.