S.T.A.R.T.  was overwhelmed with the intake of cats/kittens and the returns of adult/senior cats in 2024. All the Shelters and Rescues in New Jersey were overwhelmed/over-crowed not just S.T.A.R.T., it breaks our hearts to see this over crowding due to over-population.

 

In late 2024, a 14-year-old cat was found on the streets of Central Jersey.  Animal Control contacted the owner who did not want the cat back!!  Thanks to our microchip system, she is safe and now adopted, though we are saddened and confused that after 14 years someone can abandon their pet.  In 2024 , we have had three senior cats surrendered back to us for various reasons.  They have gone back into our foster care in the hope that they will be adopted again. We do understand that sometimes extenuating circumstances may occur in someone’s life. We will never abandon our fosters. We care deeply for the cats and kittens we foster and want to ensure they are cared for properly.​​

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Unfortunately, we have had to turn people away due to the overflow of intake.  This is something that breaks our hearts, not being able to take in these animals in need. The best we can do is recommended Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) these souls back to the locations they were found. After all TNR is the reason, this group was started over 32 years ago.  Homeowners can continue to feed these babies, while ensuring no new babies are born.  We cannot help them without your help and the help of the local communities. We can help stabilize the colony by altering, vaccinating and giving any medical attention needed. If you or know anyone one feeding unaltered stray’s, we beg you and your community to educate on TNR. All of us need to help reduce the current over-population of strays.  Please, please, please get them altered before the next litter.  Don’t wait until you see kittens!

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Hoarding animals, over breeding and dumping animals has been a major problem in 2024. All of these issues have caused an overflow of animals in shelters and rescue groups. Right in our back yard in Paterson, NJ, a horrific hoarding situation took place.  A home claimed to be overwhelmed with fifty cats. Actually, they had over 180 cats spread thru three levels of the home.  Pregnant females continued to give birth as the rescue group rushed to remove the cats from the location. S.T.A.R.T. helped where we could, taking Mom’s and newborn babies. Many of these cats had serious issues due to the homes conditions which caused in-breeding.  In-breeding causes caused still born kittens, mothers with no milk and birth defects. The initial evacuation removed all of the kittens, known pregnant cats, the nursing mother cats and those in need of immediate medical attention. It was a devastating situation for all the rescue groups involved.

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​​​​ S.T.A.R.T. refuses to let down the four-legged community.  We are thankful for the generosity of so many that have provided financial support for our fur-babies during this challenging time. As everyone knows, these past years have put a strain on all of us!  While all of our lives have changed, the one constant for us has been our rescue life.  We never forget that our fur-babies will always need our help, to give them a chance for a better life.  

 

​And don't forget!! S.T.A.R.T. holds  "Meet and Greet" adoptions at Petco in Totowa!  We pride ourselves on never releasing an animal for adoption until it is fully vetted and altered.  If you are thinking of adopting, please consider the shy, hard to adopt cats!!  They all need love and they all adapt to new environments given time.

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​Colonies are a big part of our work.  It is important to maintain sterile colonies of cats. Colonies are fed every day no matter what the weather, and, when needed, medical care.  Along with many volunteers taking care of local colonies of their own.

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FOSTER AND FOREVER HOMES ARE NEEDED! 

S.T.A.R.T. relies 100% on foster home care for the animals waiting for their forever homes. Foster homes are what help to carry out the organization's mission, but a forever home is what is needed to help decrease the vast number of homeless animals.   S.T.A.R.T. is reaching out to you as caring, responsible animal lovers, to open your hearts and your homes to one of our abandoned homeless companion animals.  Volunteers that can offer their home as a temporary residency for some of our homeless animals are always needed.  Send us an email!!

 

We can only hope that you spay and neuter your pets.  With your help we hope to reduce the overpopulation in our communities while diminishing the homeless and hungry animals.  Again, we thank you, our friends and supporters, for your continued and lasting support, our animals count on each one of you.  

 

 

Sincerely, 

Annette Lamberti

S.T.A.R.T., Save The Animals Rescue Team

The original "S.T.A.R.T." established in 1991