A cat rescue's spay and neuter program, designed to help low-income households afford the surgeries and prevent unexpected litters, has received a welcomed boost.
On Sept. 7, the Campbell River Partners for Animal Welfare Society held its annual fundraiser, raising nearly $5,000 for its Limited Income Spay and Neutering program. It also received 48 kilograms of litter and 62 kilograms of food from donations.
CR PAWS president Bonnie Kennedy said the community has seen a decline in its stray cat population over the years, thanks to the program.
"There are so many people with cats, who, you know times are hard, and they can't afford to get them spayed or neutered," Kennedy said.
The program helps low-income individuals and families in the Campbell River area. The rescue works with a network of veterinarians who offer discounts on standard spay and neuter fees to help those who may not be able to afford it.
"It's totally important to spay and neuter your cat, so they aren't going outside and impregnating or getting pregnant and growing into a big problem," Kennedy said.
She explained the overpopulation of strays strains the veterinary system, keeps rescues overwhelmed, and helps prevent stray cats from enduring unnecessary suffering.
Under the program, individuals and families with an income of $20,000 or less receive the service free, while those with a $30,000 income or higher, pay $50.
Having a cat spayed or neutered improves the feline's overall health, too.
"They don't have a lot of the health issues that unsterilized cats have, (and) their general health is in better shape," Kennedy said.
Unlike other regions in Canada that are experiencing spikes in stray cat populations, Campbell River's stray cat problem has improved in recent years.
"Quite a few of us have been active since before the rescue started and that's when we noticed the stray cat problems," she said. "It's not as bad now because we've been working at it and when we find out about something, we try and nip it in the bud."
Once humanely trapped, stray cats are brought to a veterinarian. There, they are spayed or neutered, receive a tattoo, are vaccinated, and treated for any additional medical concerns. After recovering, the cats return to their colony, where volunteers continue post-return feeding and monitoring.
So far, in 2024, roughly 100 cats in the Campbell River region have been spayed and neutered, Kennedy said.
