The BC SPCA hopes to help communities across the province prevent pet overpopulation by offering spay/neuter grants in 2014.
Through several private donations designated to the BC SPCA for spay/neuter programs, the society is providing $87,500 in grants - $80,000 for cats and $7,500 for dogs and rabbits.
Now in its second year, the program allocates funds to registered animal charities and non-profits, municipalities, veterinarians, BC SPCA branches, First Nations governments and First Nations tribal councils. In 2013 $60,000 was distributed across B.C. under the initiative.
Successful applicants must meet specific criteria and be able to administer the grant.
"Each year thousands of cats and kittens are dropped off at SPCA shelters or simply abandoned by their guardians in public areas," said Craig Daniell, chief executive officer of the BC SPCA, in a press release. "By providing communities with spay/neuter support we believe we can reduce the number of unwanted litters and help end the suffering of
homeless cats."
The BC SPCA spends nearly $2 million a year on spay/neuter initiatives across the province, including the provision of free and lowcost spay/neuter operations through SPCA clinics in Vancouver, Prince George and Kamloops and by ensuring that every cat, dog and rabbit leaving the SPCA is sterilized prior to adoption.
The deadline to apply for a BC SPCA grant is Feb. 1, 2014. For more information, visit spca. bc.ca/spayneutergrant to download the application guide.
