Palm Beach cat group purrs anew

Palm Beach cat group purrs anew
By Tim O'meilia
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Palm Beach Post Florida - September 01, 2006
PALM BEACH — Beleaguered PB Cats Inc., flush with $150,000 promised by the town council, has rebuilt its board of directors, bringing back the island's most well-known cat lover, Catherine Bradley.
Seven town residents signed on as board members last week to revitalize the nonprofit agency created by the town in 2003 to manage the island's several hundred feral cats.

Although invited to stay on, all the previous directors except one resigned to give the group a fresh start, former Chairman Allen Mason said.
Real estate broker Jeffrey Cloninger, one of the new members, said, "The primary mission is to continue the spay/neuter and release program, make sure the cats get adequate food and medical care."
The town council, which bailed out PB Cats from $30,000 in veterinary bills this summer, has contributed at least $50,000 annually since the agency was formed.
But the group was never able to raise much money on its own. Executive Director Beth Pouncey and two part-time feeders were the essence of the organization.
The council, urged by Councilwoman Susan Markin, agreed to spend more if the group reorganized, raised money aggressively, kept better records and hired an administrative head and more feeders.
"I wish Palm Beachers, with all their intelligence, would have a little more compassion, a little sense of humor and a more positive attitude about making things work," said Markin, who will be a director.
Also on the board are former town advisory board member William Cooley, Vicky Hunt, Maryanne Albergon, holdover member Cathleen McFarlane Ross and Bradley. Five more will be appointed later.
Bradley, 62, was a controversial figure, arrested 12 times and amassing more than 40 citations over the years, mostly for feeding feral cats on private property. She was never convicted but agreed in 2002 to stop feeding the untamed cats.
"This is not Catherine Bradley's organization. She is one of 12," Markin said. "She is on the board for her expertise and knowledge of cats."
Bradley said jokingly: "I keep popping up like that battery bunny."
She said hasn't fed cats in four years, except during the hurricanes, and she's ready to give advice.
"So many people don't understand the trap-neuter-release program. As Susan Markin said: This program is for everybody. For people who hate the cats, it will limit the population. For people who love cats, they'll be cared for," Bradley said.

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