FREDERICTON, N.B. – Fredericton’s SPCA has room for about 50 cats – but right now, they’re housing almost double.
Karen McGeean, director of marketing at the SPCA, says they have cats dropped off at their door almost daily.
“With the amount of cats that are coming in this year, it’s just been overwhelming,” she said.
New Brunswick’s cat population has exploded this year. A mild winter and a late spring have lead to more litters across the province. Now, shelters from Saint John to Bathurst are at capacity for cats.
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And officials, like Hilary Howes, the executive director of the NB SPCA, say the problem is owners are not spaying or neutering their cats.
“There’s a lack of appreciation for cats. And people just don’t seem to view them in the same way,” said Howes. “I think people are more likely to have their dog spayed or neutered then they are their cat. They figure a cat has kittens, well so what? We’ll figure out a way to take care of them or somebody will adopt them or whatever. But they really don’t think the process through.”
The New Brunswick SPCA lobbies the provincial government for animal protection legislation. One of the top priorities is getting a spay and neuter program.
“I think the New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association and government could easily reach some sort of an agreement to co -fund them, especially for low income families,” said Howes.
Timing is critical. The SPCA doesn’t euthanize cats because of lack of space or age, but Howes says they’re running out of options.
“It’s at the point now where it’s getting critical so we have to do something as soon as possible.”
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