Image Credit: SUBMITTED/B.C. SPCA
January 21, 2019 - 3:00 PM
KAMLOOPS - Kamloops SPCA received a grant that is supposed to help alleviate cat overpopulation.
The $50,000 grant from PetSmart Charities will cover the cost of 400 sterilizations, according to a Kamloops SPCA media release.
In its first year the program is only available to residents from the North Shore and Brocklehurst as these are the areas with the most cats in need.
“When we look at the map and see where the cats coming into our shelter are originating from, we identified these two neighbourhoods as areas within which there may be a need for subsidized spay [and] neuter services,” Kamloops SPCA manager Charleen Holloway says in the release. “In order to see the impact and reduction in the numbers of stray or un-owned cats in a big city like ours, we are going to be systematically working through the city, area by area. As opportunities become available, we will release additional spots to more areas within Kamloops.”
The Kamloops branch has the highest cat intake of any B.C. SPCA shelter in the province, and struggles to keep up with the community’s large numbers of stray and surrendered cats. Cat intake has been steadily increasing over recent years in Kamloops. Last year staff took in and cared for more than 1,000 cats and kittens, the SPCA says.
“We’re thrilled to have received this generous grant that will enable our organization to begin work in a city that is in desperate need of intervention,” Holloway says. “With these subsidized spay and neuter surgeries we hope to see a significant reduction in the amount of unplanned or unwanted litters of kittens and cats that end up in our care.”
Eligible residents from the North Shore and Brocklehurst can fill out the form online or come directly to the branch to receive a voucher for a free spay or neuter surgery. Participants will be asked for proof of residence when picking up their voucher, which includes a dewormer, a microchip and one year registration to the B.C. Pet Registry.
Donations of $40 are requested but not obligatory.
Go here to access the form.
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