Cat overpopulation is one of the most serious animal welfare issues across the province, and in Port Alberni the BC SPCA has now been given a grant to help combat the issue.
Last year, 859 animals were rescued by the SPCA in Port Alberni, a much higher intake than other B.C. communities with the same human population. For example, animal intake at the Port Alberni SPCA was 110 per cent higher last year than in nearby Parksville/Qualicum Beach, which has a comparable human population.
The BC SPCA in Port Alberni have received a $110,900 grant from PetSmart Charities® of Canada for the spaying and neutering of cats.
BC SPCA chief executive officer Craig Daniell says the SPCA’s goal is to sterilize at least 800 cats over the next two years.
Daniell says the BC SPCA spends nearly $2 million each year on low-cost spay/neuter initiatives in B.C. communities and tries to target communities with the most serious pet overpopulation problems.
Of the 859 animals cared for by the Port Alberni SPCA last year, 415 were cats or kittens, and 115 of these were kittens from unwanted litters.
“We have to stop this cycle of suffering and we believe that the PetSmart Charities® grant will enable us to significantly reduce the total intake of cats and kittens at the shelter by 2015.”
All low-income cat guardians living in Port Alberni are eligible to apply to the spay/neuter fund. While the program is free, recipients will be asked to donate $30 back to the fund if possible to enable more animals to be helped.
To apply for the fund or for more information, contact the Alberni-Clayoquot SPCA Branch at 250-723-5269 or in person at the shelter, 4936 Broughton Street, Port Alberni.
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