RSPCA Hull & East Riding hosted its first Feral Cat Summit last night, bringing together local charities, community groups, and independent volunteers with a shared commitment to improving the welfare of feral and community cats across the region.
Attendees included Cats Protection Hull & Beverley, Jenny’s Cat House, 9 Lives Cat Rescue CIC, Harley’s Angels (Hull), and other dedicated community carers. The summit provided a platform to discuss challenges in feral cat management, share knowledge, and develop coordinated strategies for safe capture, treatment, neutering, testing, microchipping, and release.
The event also offered an opportunity for RSPCA Hull & East Riding to explain the role of the CEO and local branch in providing strategic leadership, good governance, risk management, and financial oversight. Discussions highlighted the importance of audited accounts and robust reserves policies, ensuring the charity can deliver sustainable animal welfare services even during unforeseen challenges.
Many organisations attending the summit expressed a desire to work in partnership with RSPCA Hull & East Riding, leveraging the branch’s resources and expertise to create a city-wide network for feral cat welfare. Following the summit, several groups are already collaborating, and an inaugural partnership meeting is being planned to formalise a pathway for ongoing collaboration while allowing each organisation to retain its unique identity.
RSPCA Hull and East Riding Branch Chief Executive Fred Owen said: “The passion, positivity, and commitment in the room last night were truly inspiring. Together, we can deliver coordinated, sustainable, and compassionate care for the feral cats of Hull while supporting the incredible work of local charities and volunteers.”
The summit marks an important first step in building a community-led approach to animal welfare, demonstrating the power of collaboration between charities, volunteers, and the local community.