Project Cat director runs impeccable shelter

Dear Editor, I have been involved in the animal welfare community for the past 20 years and served on the Ulster County SPCA board of directors for nine years. For the past three years, I have volunteered at Project Cat in Accord.

Recently there has been a fury of disparaging and erroneous accusations about the executive director of Project Cat, Gail Mihocko. These false allegations are damaging to the reputation of an organization whose mission is to help homeless and suffering cats.

Project Cat is an impeccable shelter where cats can live safely and comfortably until they are adopted. Gail responds to many calls from people requesting her help, often after they have exhausted their options by calling other agencies that fail to help them, due to lack of space or resources. The homeless cat crisis is overwhelming, leaving thousands of cats that will never receive help.

I am keenly aware of conflicting philosophies concerning the practice of trap, neuter and release and have had personal experience as a caretaker of a feral cat colony. Cats living outdoors suffer and die from diseases, freezing temperatures, attacks by other animals, etc. They are not wildlife that fend for themselves.

Passions run high among people trying to help animals. It is easy to become combative, instead of setting differences aside and learning to coexist.

In closing, Gail Mihocko runs Project Cat with the utmost integrity and professionalism and should not be maligned by those who disagree with her.

Geri Ritchie Highland, N.Y.