Prince Rupert has let the feral and free roaming cat problem get out of hand and it’s going to take all kind of support to get it under control.
The City decided to table their decision to match SPCA funding for a trap, neuter and release program at the last council meeting and considering the financial state of the City and all of the cut grants, I have a hard time believing it will be.
However, I hope the SPCA and other local groups’ request can at least raise awareness in the community and make residents realize even if the City cannot help, they can.
Like many, I’ve always had a soft spot for abused, neglected, and abandoned animals. Whenever the commercial that flashes shots of sad looking cats and dogs, while Sarah McLachlan’s song plays comes on I can’t help but shed a tear. How could that not pull at your heartstrings?
The truly sad part is there are so many cats in Prince Rupert that can’t even be put in the SPCA shelter because there is simply no room for them, so they’re left to fend for themselves.
The more cats and kittens adopted from the SPCA, the more room for other strays to be taken in and cared for, and hopefully later adopted out to a family that will love and take care of it.
The Prince Rupert SPCA is currently holding an adoption event where people wanting to take a cat or kitten home can get them for 50 per cent off. People wishing to adopt must still follow regular adoption procedures.
Many argue you can get cats for free nearly everywhere, which may be true, but included in the $125 cost to adopt a cat and $150 for a kitten is the cost to spay or neuter the animal, its first shots, de-worming and one free vet check up which makes up for the cost.
If you’re already an owner of a cat that roams around outside, please make sure to spay or neuter them. It costs $110 to have a male neutered, and it prevents your little stud from impregnating a female, who could possibly not have a home. It costs $149 to have a female spayed before her first heat, and $179 after her first heat or litter, making it cheaper to do it as soon as possible while they’re young.
Prince Rupert is without a doubt a generous community. Residents have always been willing to reach into their pockets in the past, and I hope in this case it’s no different.
The SPCA is a non-profit organization that relies on public donations to operate. Prince Rupert’s branch is always looking for financial support, as well as animal care, cleaning, and medical supplies.
The Prince Rupert Wildlife Shelter also helps relieve the local SPCA by taking in domestic animals, on top of caring for injured wild animals, and is run by volunteers who rely on donations.
Additionally, the Cannery Row Animal Shelter Association is calling out for donations of litter and food to help with the cost of taking care of feral cats.
Even if local leaders decide against funding the program, I hope residents step up and help get this issue under
control.