Does Connecticut care about cats?
Based on the turnout at the November 12th Connecticut Cares for Cats Conference, the answer is a resounding yes! It was “standing room only” as over 200 animal welfare professionals gathered to hear some of the nation’s leading experts discuss humane solutions for reducing cat overpopulation in our state.
The impressive roster of speakers included Becky Robinson, National Director, Alley Cat Allies; Ed Boks, Executive Director, NYC Animal Care & Control; Holly Sizemore, Feral Fix Program Director, Best Friends Animal Society and NMHP Utah; Esther Mechler, Director, SPAY/USA; Bryan Kortis, Executive Director, Neighborhood Cats; Debora M. Bresch, Esq., Legislative Liaison, ASPCA; Stacy LeBaron, President, Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society; and Peter Marsh, Esq., Founder of Solutions to Overpopulation of Pets.
Attendees represented over 70 shelters and rescues organizations, as well as veterinarians, animal control professionals, individual rescuers and concerned citizens. While most were from Connecticut, some participants traveled from New York, New Jersey, Maryland, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Iowa, Wisconsin, and West Virginia to attend this landmark event.
"We were delighted to have so many representatives from the animal welfare community come together for the common goal of helping cats. This was Connecticut’s first-ever statewide conference and the turnout proved that we all see the importance of working together to help end cat overpopulation." (Susan Linker, President, Animal Welfare Federation of Connecticut)
What our attendees had to say:
"This was a very informative seminar. I was impressed with the level of professionalism of not only the speakers but also the entire presentation of the meeting. It was an opportunity for our Animal Welfare Committee to meet people who will be great contacts for us in the future. We expect to maintain our communication lines with AWFCT and work toward common goals." (Dr. Larry Nieman, President-Elect of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association)
“This was a wonderful conference! I hope to see more like it.” (Greg Simpson, Meriden Humane Society, Inc.)
“It was great to get the chance to meet with other groups so we can band together and accomplish what we can’t do alone.” (Virginia Van Norden, Forgotten Felines, Inc.)
“Thank you for presenting such a compelling conference with such leading and engaging speakers.” (Ann Bloch)
“Wow, how nice to know that I am not alone in my love and concern for all cats, including strays and ferals. This conference has given me a breath of fresh air and new motivation!” (Janet Skinner, Pawswatch, Inc.)
“This was a tremendous opportunity to meet like-minded, like-hearted people . . . I enjoyed the quality of speakers, coupled with their willingness to share their experience and insights.” (Liz Skrobisch, Pawswatch, Inc.)
"All of those involved get tons of raves and applause for orchestrating such a splendid conference. It was so informative, with outstanding, knowledgeable, and humerous speakers. It's so nice to have informative ideas to bring back to our community." (Penny Meek, Spay & Neuter Association of Newtown)
“Thank you for making a top-notch gathering affordable!” (Kathy MacPherson)
“It’s great to have so many people with a common interest united.” (Jodi Perry, Castaway Cats, Inc.)
For more information about the Connecticut Cares for Cats Conference, please contact us.
Bryan Kortis, Executive Director,
Neighborhood Cats
Ed Boks and Holly Sizemore
Stacy LeBaron, President,
Merrimack River Feline Rescue
Society and Holly Sizemore
Peter Marsh
Camlyn Miller-Stevens,
Oma's Pride
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Special thanks to all of our
generous sponsors and
distinguished speakers:
Paul Jolly, Director,
PETCO Foundation
Ed Boks, Executive Director,
NYC Animal Care & Control
Esther Mechler, Director,
Spay/USA
Peter Marsh, Founder, Solutions to
Overpopulation of Pets, and Debora
Bresch, Legislative Liason, ASPCA
Joanne Bourbeau, Humane
Society of the United States
Holly Sizemore, Feral Fix Director,
No More Homeless Pets Utah
Best Friends Animal Society
Becky Robinson, National
Director, Alley Cat Allies
Stacy LeBaron
Esther Mechler and Susan
Linker, President of AWFCT
and Our Companions Domestic
Animal Sanctuary
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