The Humane Society of Louisiana, Magnolia Chapter, announced this week that thanks to a grant from PetSmart Charities, it will offer 1,000 free cat sterilizations for free-roaming cats in the 70427 zip code area.

Residents living in the 70427 zip code area can call 241-4290 or 335-0758 or email magnoliahumane@ yahoo.com to make an appointment for one of the free sterilizations.

“This is a fabulous offer and one that will end when the grant monies run out,” said Kay Grantham, Magnolia Chapter president. “We really want to see a huge reduction in the number of unwanted kittens and cats in the 70427 zip code area, and this will be a major part of accomplishing that goal.”

The Humane Society of Louisiana, Magnolia Chapter is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides low-cost spay/ neuter services for dogs and cats in Washington Parish, sterilizing more than 600 cats and dogs annually. It relies solely on community support and grant funding to operate the low-cost spay/ neuter program and the rescue, foster and adoption programs that have saved hundreds of dogs and cats in Washington Parish.

Since the chapter was created in June of 2008, more than 2,000 cats and dogs have been spayed/ neutered through the low-cost spay/neuter program and more than 400 dogs and cats have been rescued and placed in forever homes by a dedicated group of volunteers. Donations may be mailed to Humane Society of Loui-siana, Magnolia Chapter, P.O. Box 854, Franklinton, LA 70438.

For additional information, call 335-0758 or visit www.magnoliahumane. rescuegroups.org .

PetSmart Charities, Inc., established in 1994, is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. The largest funder of animal welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities has provided more than $134 million in grants and programs benefiting animal welfare organizations and has helped save the lives of nearly five million pets through its in-store adoption program.

To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working toward its vision of a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS (7387).