Photo courtesy of Bob Schneider

By Scott Roblin

Critical Shortage

Space shortage forcing APARC to consider euthanizing cats

Jul 10, 2019 | 3:27 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A critical shortage of space for cats has sparked a public plea for help from Medicine Hat’s Alberta Pound and Rescue Centre.

APARC is reporting a recent explosion of intakes, seeing their number of in-shelter cats increase by about 20 percent over just a three day span.

Taking care of roughly 100 cats through their shelter, foster care and space at Pet Valu, general manager Kaylyn Genio said they’re in desperate need of adoptions.

“Kittens are deemed more adoptable in the eyes of the public because everyone wants a baby kitten right now, they’re cute, they’re adorable,” said Genio. “But, we have adults that need homes and that’s the problem we’re seeing right now, is the adults need a place to go.”

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Cages are becoming fewer to find at APARC with the recent influx of cats, while they need to keep their doors open for any stray or feral cats that might come in the future.

Adoptions have been slow as of late and if nothing changes over the next 48 hours, APARC will have to begin euthanizing semi-feral or feral cats to make room.

“It’s been three and a half years and we’re really proud of the fact that we’ve never euthanized for space,” said Genio. “This is why we take to things like social media and Facebook. We let the public know that if you can help us please do, it does save lives.”

APARC’s new ‘CatPacity’ reporting tool has reached critical levels for the first time and Genio said they’re dealing with uncharted waters.

“It’s something that we don’t ever want to do, it’s not something we want to face, but we’re not afraid to ask the public for help in this instance,” she said. “We want them to know where we’re at with this. It’s not something we’ve ever done, we don’t want to euthanize for space.

“It is something that we hope we never have to consider, but at times like this we’re out of options.”

In the hopes of making the process of adoption more palatable for the public, APARC has dropped their adoption fees for adult cats while they deal with the critical shortage of space.

Genio said they’re encouraging people to share their situation and drop in to visit the animals, hoping that one of these avenues sparks someone to consider adopting or fostering one of their cats.

“We’d like people just to come in and meet the cats,” said Genio. “Even if you can just socialize for a few minutes it really helps the cats. We are lowering adoption fees until we’re feeling better about our space situation.”

Anyone who is interested in adopting one of APARC’s cats or other animals is encouraged to call their main line at 403-487-5671.