A $200,000 donation has been made toward the Buckingham County Animal Control facility.

The donation was presented to the Buckingham County Board of Supervisors by Betsy Ballenger, president of Cat Action Team (CAT) at the board’s monthly meeting Monday, Feb. 10.

Ballenger awarded the money on behalf of donors Rebecca T. and James P. Craig.

The contribution nearly doubles a similar donation presented to the county in the amount of $230,000 in August of last year by the Petco Foundation on behalf of the donors. A previous donation of $30,000 was granted to the county by The Petco Foundation for animal control staffing and equipment needs over the next two years.

The funds will be used to help build a new animal control facility or renovate an existing building.

CAT, incorporated in 2018, is a non-profit organization with a mission to improve the quality of life for cats in central Virginia through a trap/neuter/return (TNR) program, a foster/adopt program, a pet-retention program and an education program.

The organization helps to alleviate the suffering of felines in 12 counties, including Albemarle, Augusta, Buckingham, Culpeper, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson and Orange counties.

Ballenger presented Finance Officer and Assistant County Administrator Karl Carter with a check last week. Carter said the county was grateful for the kindness of CAT and the generous donors.

Ballenger said there’s a great need in Central Virginia for helping stray felines. She hopes the donation will help give the county a good head start in the journey toward renovating or constructing a building to house a new animal control facility, benefiting cats, dogs, and humans alike.