In its ninth year, the BC SPCA Community Animal Spay Neuter grant continues to provide vital funding to groups throughout the province. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a set-back for those working to address cat overpopulation throughout British Columbia with challenges including spay neuter delays, travel restrictions, and reduced capacity in staff and volunteers.
“Many of the areas we are funding this year are working in areas that struggled with access to vet care even before the pandemic,” says Marieke van der Velden, outreach specialist at the BC SPCA. “The efforts of our grantees are now more important than ever and we are excited to make this work possible.”
The allocation of the funds will go directly towards covering the cost of spay/neuter surgeries and permanent pet identification, in addition to helping groups address both community cat colonies and cats living on First Nations land.
“By partnering with local groups we are able to reach more cats and reduce the suffering of countless cats and kittens,” says van der Velden. “In addition to preventing population growth, fixing these cats also improves the health of the individual cats and the human community in which they live and reduces human-animal conflict.”
The funds are provided to the following selected partner charities, veterinarians and non-profit organizations:
- Canadian Animal Assistance Team – Bella Bella
- Campbell River Partners in Animal Welfare – Alert Bay
- CatspanFerals Registered Charity – Nanoose Bay
- CATS Meow Society – Port Hardy
- Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven – Chilliwack
- Invermere Companion Animal Network (ICAN) – Invermere
- Kitty Cat Pals – Comox
- Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS) – Langley
- PawzUnited Rescue Society (PURS) – Prince Rupert
- Spirit Mission Rescue Society – Bella Bella
- Robson Valley Spay and Neuter Society -Valemount
To learn more about the grant program and past recipients visit spca.bc.ca/spayneutergrant.