Via the NS SPCA

“The Nova Scotia SPCA is pleased that the HRM Council has passed a motion supporting a pilot grant program to fund cat Spay Neuter over the next 5 years.

In 2016, the Nova Scotia SPCA and Spay Day HRM were provided a one-time grant for $50,000 towards spaying and neutering of feral cats. Over the course of a 6 month collaboration with many local rescue groups we were able to successfully assist 780 stray/abandoned/feral cats in the HRM. Cats from all corners of the municipality were helped thanks to the dedicated efforts of many volunteers.  Read more about our successes and efforts here.

A feral cat is one that has never had contact with humans. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is considered the only effective and humane approach to dealing with the feral cat overpopulation crisis. The process of Trap Neuter Return involved extensive planning and infrastructure requirements.

“Our volunteers had spent thousands of hours trapping and caring for these cats prior to their spay/neuter surgery” says Linda Felix, Spay Day HRM. “Once altered and ear tipped, after a few days recovery time feral cats were released back to their colonies” states Felix.

“During the project we found many cats and kittens suffering from a variety of medical issues.  The SPCA HRM Animal Hospital treated and volunteers socialized whenever possible” said Heather Woodin, Nova Scotia SPCA TNR coordinator. “Any cats found to be friendly were taken to the SPCA Animal Shelter to be rehomed. The 2016 HRM TNR project greatly evolved beyond just spay/neuter into an overall colony care solution” said Woodin.

“Looking forward, the ongoing support from Halifax Regional Municipality will continue to improve the lives of thousands of feral and abandoned cats in the HRM through spay/neuter.” says Elizabeth Murphy, Nova Scotia SPCA CEO. “With the continued efforts of many, the number of cats living in feral colonies will be reduced, kittens will not be born outside, often into illness, disease and unsafe situations, and the strain on care-takers resources will be significantly reduced. Fixed cats are better neighbors – with reduced spraying, and less noise from breeding or fighting.” commented Murphy.

The funding from HRM, coupled with the dedication and time commitment from many hardworking volunteers will be crucial to continue to reduce the cat population. For more information on the SPCA’s TNR program please visit:http://spcans.ca/animal-care/tnr-program-strategy/ or contactcatcolony@spcans.ca  or call (844) 835-4798.”

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Source: Media Release