Bluegrass, KY – [October 22nd, 2024] – The Bluegrass Area Development District (BGADD) is excited to announce funding has been awarded for the Bluegrass Cat Project for 2025. The Project has successfully provided support and resources for more than a dozen counties in the Bluegrass Area. Funded by the Joanie Bernard Foundation (JBF) and its
Give Them Ten Movement and facilitated by Team Shelter USA, the Project is committed to improving feline welfare across the Bluegrass region.
Since its launch, the Bluegrass Cat Project has had a total of $1,150,000 in funding for spay and neuter of 11,962 community cats. This generous support from JBF has enabled the Project to reduce intake and euthanasia in shelters across the Bluegrass area.
Looking ahead, JBF has committed another $160,000 in 2025, bringing total funding to $1,310,000 for this project. This ongoing support is vital to continuing to reduce the community cat population in the Bluegrass area, in turn improving resources for local shelters.
"We are incredibly proud of the impact our Bluegrass Cat Project has had on our area," said David Duttlinger, Executive Director of the Bluegrass Area Development District. "With the continued support of the Joanie Bernard Foundation and the expertise of Dr. Sara Pizano with Team Shelter USA, we are having a significant and positive impact on community
cat colonies, particularly in rural counties where shelter funding can sometimes be particularly strained."
“These funds will help to further the Give Them Ten Movement which is pioneering a better world for cats,” said Deborah Cribbs, founder and leader of the Give Them Ten Movement. “Together with the Bluegrass Cat Project we are changing lives.”
Team Shelter USA has been instrumental in facilitating the Project by providing crucial support in education, data collection, and provider oversight.
"We are honored to support the Bluegrass ADD’s Bluegrass Cat Project," said Dr. Sara Pizano of Team Shelter USA. "This program benefits people and cats, and we are proud to be part of this transformative initiative."
For more information about the Bluegrass Cat Project and its ongoing mission, please contact Staci L. May, Public Information Officer for the Bluegrass ADD at smay@bgadd.org.

