NORWICH – With beautiful weather abounding, All Animals Matter is preparing to hold its second annual “Spay-ghetti” dinner and silent auction from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday at the Norwich Fire House.

As the name suggests, the spaghetti and meatball dinner is just one of the ways the organization raises money to help pet owners spay and neuter their dogs and cats, as well as control the feral cat population in Chenango County with a trap, neuter, release program.

“We needed a large fundraiser and the fire house is very accommodating,” said Diane Troxell, All Animals Matter organizer. “Through the support of the

community and our sponsors, we’ve helped people in every town and village in Chenango County spay or neuter their animals.”

Troxell, an avid animal lover, said the group assisted with more than 500 animals in 2011 and she hopes the fundraiser is a success so they might top that number this year. Last year’s event raised approximately $3,100, but Troxell said she believes they can top $5,000.

“It’s surprising to most people that taking care of a feral cat colony can cost between $1,000-1,500,” said Troxell. “Nobody wants to help them ... that’s where we step in.”