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New program could save cats' lives, city money

THUNDER BAY -- A pilot program could save the lives of feral cats and the city money.
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(tbnewswatch.com file photograph)

THUNDER BAY --  A pilot program could save the lives of feral cats and the city money.

The program, approved by city council for a six-month trial Monday, would see feral cats taken, spayed or neutered and vaccinated before being returned to where they were found.

The city's current method is to take them to a shelter, taking up space and eventually  killed as a feral cat is usually unadoptable. Last year more than 800 cats were euthanized for $15,000.

"This method is expensive and simply does not work,” Superior Street Cats' Emily Hopkins said.

The trap, neuter, return project is successful in cities all over the world she said as it reduces spraying, loud meowing and other issues with feral cats. Volunteer care takers will feed and monitor the cat colonies.

"We don't expect it to be an overnight solution. It will take awhile," Hopkins said.

"It will probably take at least two years to make a major change."





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