SACRAMENTO – Building on a campaign launched last year in Sacramento, Mayor Heather Fargo has proclaimed March 14-20, 2004 “Safe Cats Sacramento Week.”

Last year, Mayor Fargo joined top officials of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Sacramento River Cats, Mutt’s comic strip creator Patrick McDonnell, and animal shelter cat lovers and protectors from Stanislaus,Yolo, Placer and El Dorado Counties to launch the first-ever Greater Sacramento area campaign designed to restore cats to nine lives.

“We are proud to once again have the support of Mayor Fargo for this important educational campaign,” said Cynthia Cutler, program coordinator for The HSUS’ West Coast regional office. “The Safe Cats Sacramento campaign has brought together area pet owners, local animal control shelters, and veterinarians to educate the community on the lifelong benefits of keeping cats safe and healthy by creating cat-friendly homes and yards.”

Cats allowed to roam outdoors without supervision are in danger of being struck by a car, ingesting deadly poisons, or catching diseases.

“America’s most popular pets are quickly becoming the most frequent occupants of California’s animal shelters causing considerable expense to city agencies,” said Mayor Heather Fargo. “As a cat lover myself, I am pleased to again proclaim Safe Cats Sacramento Week.”

The HSUS offers numerous resources for transitioning an outdoor cat into an indoor cat on its web site – www.safecats.org.

This year, The HSUS is expanding its Safe Cats campaign efforts to focus on New England and the greater Dallas area.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization with more than eight million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS protects all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and fieldwork. The non-profit organization, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2004, is based in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.