Portable cat shelters and neutering proposed as solutions for Johnstown stray crisis

Cambria County, PA — Residents in our area say neighborhood cat populations are out of control. They say concerns began when they started to see groups of them wandering the streets more frequently. They say a lack of assistance from authorities, plus people allegedly abandoning their animals are to blame.

Some residents say because of this, dead felines are being found around the city of Johnstown, in the colder months. One woman says her daughter found a distressed cat just in time.

“Last winter was the most horrible thing I ever saw in my career. My foster daughter called, she lives in the Oakhurst area. A cat was frozen to the ground alive.” says former veterinarian technician, Lindy Yutzy.

That's why Charlene Stanton of Roxbury says she decided to make shelters for strays, while also encouraging others to neuter and spay their cats.

Stanton and others say they’ve proposed means to neuter and spay all stray cats in the affected neighborhoods.

She tells me her motive for this endeavor.

“I just wanted to help out the cats. The response has been overwhelming. I'm glad I can help people out and give them shelter.” Stanton says.

People who live nearby say taking care of these cats puts a lot of strain on them.

“I don’t care if they drop them back off. I just need them to help me with the finance thing, to get them fixed. also, someone that’s able to catch them.” says Moxham resident Patty Istvan.

“I almost want to compare them to having kids, because they are a responsibility. When you take in a pet, you take on the responsibility of, it has to go to the vet, you have to feed it, and people don’t understand that.” says East Taylor Township resident, Kandi Boring.

Stanton says she is currently out of supplies due to the high demand for these cat shelters. She says she is replenishing them and if you’d like to help to contact her here.

Authorities have not responded to my requests for comment yet. We will continue to update this story.

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