Submitted by Shane Windatt-The Haida Gwaii SPCA gets calls almost every day from people on the islands who want to spay and neuter their cats but can’t afford it.”There are too many cats here, just like most other places in BC,” says Shane Windatt, supervisor of the local SPCA branch. “They are forming feral colonies in every community on the islands. People want to do the right thing by sterilizing their pets, and we’d like to help them more than we are currently able to.”Fortunately, the provincial BCSPCA is offering a grant to address cat overpopulation. The hitch is, islanders must come up with some resources to contribute to the plan. Band and town councils are being contacted and asked to support the grant application. Dr. Don Richardson in Tlell has already committed to providing discounted veterinary services under this program.Successful applicants will be allocated annual funding in increments of $2,500, $5,000 or $7,500, based on demonstrated need, implementation plan, and ability to match funds. Funding is intended to be renewed annually for up to three years in order to effect a long-term decrease in the feline population. Any individuals, groups or businesses able to contribute resources to help obtain this grant are asked to contact the Haida Gwaii SPCA at 559-9030 or email swindatt@spca.bc.ca
