LEWISTON — The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society recently received a $19,179 grant from the Belvedere Animal Welfare Fund of the Maine Community Foundation to support its Targeted Feline Spay/Neuter Program.

Through the program, qualifying individuals can have their cat spayed or neutered for a $10 co-pay through a participating veterinarian (although due to a donor that co-pay will be waived for the remainder of the year). A rabies vaccination is also included.

“This grant allows us to continue our efforts as we work diligently within our community to lower the number of unwanted cats and kittens within Androscoggin County,” said Steven Dostie, executive director. “We are very grateful for this assistance which enables us to offer our financially strapped neighbors the support necessary to help these numbers decline.”

Since the incorporation of the low-income spay/neuter clinics the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society has seen a greater than 50 percent decrease in the number of kittens received at the shelter. Also telling is the 33 percent drop in the number of cats from within the city of Lewiston itself; the 730 strays in 2007 has decreased to 383 in 2012. Privately owned cats also dropped from 708 in 2007 to 307 in 2012.

With offices in Ellsworth and Portland, the Maine Community Foundation works with donors and other partners to improve the quality of life for Maine people. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.

The humane society is located at 55 Strawberry Ave. For more information on the Targeted Feline Spay/Neuter Program or other spay/neuter programs, call the shelter at 783-2311 or visit www.SavingPetsInMaine.org.