Controversy sparked by a feeding ban in Palmerton became a source of inspiration for an animal rights event held in Weissport last weekend.

The restriction - enacted through a borough ordinance - was lifted in part by a trap, neuter, release policy adopted by Palmerton council in April. But for Donna Crum, Carbon County humane officer, the ban went beyond her hometown, stirring her to act on behalf of feral and stray cats across Pennsylvania. 

“We don’t have a cat problem,” she said. “We have a human problem.” 

Crum’s efforts to bar cat feeding bans statewide started with an online petition, which has garnered more than 11,000 signatures to date. Bust she’s still trying to raise awareness for the cause.

Crum thought Saturday’s ninth annual Rockin’ Rescue would be the perfect chance to do just that; she made this year’s theme “community cats count, too.” 

“This whole event is to prevent abuse, neglect and cruelty, and to educate the community,” Crum, who is the event ‘s coordinator, said. 

“It’s time. It’s past time,” she added. 

Eight animal rescues, including Carbon County Friends of Animals, Palmerton Cat Project and Blue Mountain Animal Rescue Society (formerly Animal Shelter of Carbon) set up booths in Weissport Park. They came equip with foster birds, dogs, cats and kittens, stressing the importance of animal adoption and local rescues.  

“They (the community) come out, they get to see us, they get to talk to us. They know that there’s hope, rather than just abandoning animals,” Christine Sweeney, president of a foster-based Nesquehoning rescue called Pawsitively Purrfect, said.

One sales vendor, Stacy Smith, brought her foster kittens along with her to Weissport. The three tiny furballs, who are estimated to be about four weeks old, garnered a lot of attention from visitors, especially when they were allowed out of their pink carriage for a bottle feeding.

Along with educating the community about area animal resources, Saturday’s Rockin’ Rescue also entertained its visitors with live bands, food stands, bounce houses, pony rides and a car show.   

In previous years, Rockin’ Rescue took place in Lehighton - first in the borough park, and then in the community grove. Crum said she thinks it has found a permanent home in Weissport. She hopes to ring in the event’s 10 year anniversary next year with a weekend-long celebration.  

But whatever form Rockin’ Rescue may take in 2020, its heart - animal activists working toward a brighter future for their furry friends- will remain steadfast. 

“We all network together,” Crum said. “And that’s the way we’re going to make a difference.”

And to anyone wanting to aid in that endeavor, Dana Dunbar, of Carbon County Friends of Animals, offered this advice: 

“Stop in the shelter. Give us a call, give us an email. There’s always a spot for somebody that wants to foster, adopt,” she said.  

Captions: 

Christine Sweeney, president of a foster-based Nesquehoning rescue called Pawsitively Purrfect, holds a bunny being pet. DANIELLE DERRICKSON/TIMES NEWS

Stacy Smith bottle feeds a 4-week-old kitten named Emerald. DANIELLE DERRICKSON/TIMES NEWS