The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Dec. 15 announced a grant of $11,200 to the Shelby Humane Society.

The grant funding will provide spay and neuter surgeries, rabies vaccinations, microchip identification, tattoo identification, ear tipping and parasite control for any cat owned by a Calera resident or for any cat picked up by animal control in Calera.

The surgeries will be offered free of charge to all cat owners. However, participants will be asked to make a donation if they are able.

Julie Morris, ASPCA vice president for community outreach, said in a press release the organization chose to award the funding to Shelby Humane because the center is actively working to decrease the number of homeless animals.

“The ASPCA believes targeted spay/neuter surgeries are the most humane and effective way of reducing pet overpopulation and the numbers of homeless animals entering local shelters,” Morris said. “Due to the Shelby Humane Society’s initiative, Shelby County is helping to create a more humane society and serves as an inspiration to other communities across the country.”