- November 15, 2024
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Cracker Barrel had some good news for Community Cats of Palm Coast and Safari Rescue – not only can the cat colony currently on the restaurant site stay until suitable homes are found for them, they are also going to partner with the groups, and make a donation to help offset the expenses.
After a cat feeder was approached and told the cats would have to go, Elizabeth Robinson sprang into action making contact with Cracker Barrel management.
“If a commercial trapper is hired to remove the cats, they will be euthanized,” Robinson said. “We didn't want that.”
Since the cats are on commercial property, any trapping would be the responsibility of the business. Palm Coast Animal Control does not trap on commercial property according to Barbara Grossman, code enforcement director for the city.
While Cracker Barrel has no corporate policy, concerning cats at any of their 635 stores, Janella Escobar, director of corporate community relations, worked with Robinson and Ruth Rupprecht of Safari Rescue. After researching potential rescue groups to take the cats, Escobar said Safari “best aligned with Cracker Barrel.”
“We are working with Ruth of Safari Rescue, because of the program they have, and because we learned a lot about them,” Escobar said. “They work with canines for veterans, and Cracker Barrel supports our military and veterans.”
The amount of the donation, and when it will be presented, was still being determined as of Wednesday, Jan. 27.
For the time being the cat colony, an estimated 10-12 cats, will be fed under the supervision of Community Cats and Safari Rescue, on the Cracker Barrel property. In the near future, they will be trapped and neutered, and placed in homes if possible. Those unable to be adopted into a home, will be released in an approved sanctuary.
“We are looking forward to partnering with both organizations,” Escobar said. “This allows us to take the lead on how we can best deal with the situation, and they will tell us which can be adopted, and which can be placed in forever sanctuaries.”
