'Kitten season’ putting pressure on animal shelters
New Brunswick animal shelters prepare for ‘kitten season’, the months from May to October where warmer weather promotes the birth of unwanted kittens. One female cat can produce up to 24 kittens in a year, and left unchecked, up to 5,000 cats from her offspring over seven years. But the numbers of unwanted kittens have increased this year, leaving some shelters overwhelmed.
The large influx of new kittens comes with an increased demand for space, food, and veterinarian care at shelters.
“The only way we can effectively slow the overpopulation of cats and kittens is for pet owners, members of the public, veterinarians, shelters, rescues, and other stakeholders to work together to come up with ideas, strategies, and actual plans that can be put into place quickly such as low cost and no cost spay/neuter, adoption events and education,” said Tracy Marcotullio, Executive Director of Oromocto and Area SPCA shelter. “Struggling alone is not effective. Coming together truly saves lives.”
Local shelters are promoting campaigns urging responsible pet ownership, stressing that pets need to be spayed and neutered to avoid unwanted offspring. Along with eliminating unplanned pregnancies, spaying and neutering also helps with pet disease prevention.
The Prevent Another Litter (PAL) program operated by some New Brunswick shelters aims to end the ‘kitten season’ cycle.
The program encourages pet owners to bring in their cat or a dog that has accidently found themselves with a litter of kittens or puppies. The litter is “adopted” by the shelter to find loving homes while the mother is spayed for free. Check out your local shelter’s website or social media to see if they participate in the PAL program.
Eager to help? Volunteering at your community shelter or rescue team is an excellent way to support these dedicate animal lovers in such a situation. To know more information about the shelter in your area, please visit https://nbspca.ca/find-your-local-shelter
About New Brunswick SPCA
Founded in 1881, New Brunswick SPCA (NBSCPA) is the only province-wide organization mandated to enforce animal protection laws. A dedicated team of 15 Animal Protection Officers is vested with the authority under the SPCA Act of New Brunswick to investigate and, if necessary, lay charges, seize animals, or recommend court orders to persons suspected of abuse and cruelty to animals.
The NBSPCA is a registered charity that exists to provide province-wide leadership in the humane treatment of animals. We enforce relevant legislation, ensure shelter for neglected or abused domesticated animals and agricultural animals, and provide public education and advocacy to empower New Brunswickers to help animals live long and healthy lives.
