Medicine Hat's first trap-neuter-return program is now in effect after city approval of a joint proposal submitted by the local SPCA and the Persian Dreams and Canine Themes Rescue Society. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

By Jesse Gill

Organizations launch long-awaited trap-neuter-return program in Medicine Hat

Aug 16, 2024 | 5:34 PM

Medicine Hat’s long-awaited first trap-neuter-return program is now in effect.

The Medicine Hat SPCA and Persian Dreams & Canine Themes Rescue Society have partnered to bring the program to the city as part of an effort to control the feral and stray cat population in the city.

TNR programs humanely trap feral cats and return them to the place they were trapped once spayed or neutered, and in good health, used a as a way to effectively controlling feral cat populations.

The new program, revealed Thursday, is a result of an addition to the city’s Responsible Animal Ownership Bylaw at the Aug. 21, 2023, city council meeting.

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Samantha Lole, president of Persian Dreams and Canine Themes, said Friday there are probably hundreds of stray cat groups throughout the city that clog up the shelters when brought in.

“They take up cages, food, resources, that kind of thing,” Lole told CHAT News.

“Staff having these ferals in cages is a risk for people too, because obviously they’re scared. They don’t want to be touched,” she added

“If we can keep them out of shelters and just let them live their lives and not bother us, then great.”

A city bylaw amendment last August helped pave the way to create a pilot program, with a number of specific guidelines to follow.

The groups require approval from the city for each specific group of cats.

Kaylee Getz, shelter director and animal health technician at the Medicine Hat SPCA, said it’s about preventing unwanted litters of stray cats, helping control population and illnesses.

Kaylee Getz is the shelter director and an animal health technician at the Medicine Hat SPCA. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

“Everybody gets health exams, obviously. They get an ear tip so that we can identify that they are spayed or neutered at a glance, vaccinations and any other necessary medical treatment that they might require at that time,” Getz said.

The feral cats are then returned to a familiar area.

Getz said the program runs on donations, which will determine it’s success and speed.

“There is a funding component. If we can get in there and get a lot done, then we’ll see a quicker impact,” Getz said.

“We should see a positive impact over time for sure.”

Lole is thankful they have the funding in place for their first pilot project on a large colony of feral cats.

“We’ve been lobbying this for a very long time. There’s been very many people involved in it and it’s just, it makes me so happy that we can finally say it’s happening now,” Lole said.

“We can make a difference because it’s been needed for a very long time.”

Those looking to support can reach out to the SPCA or Persian Dreams and Canine Themes, and mention their are looking to donate specifically to the Trap-Neuter-Return program.

As these groups help control the feral cat population in Medicine Hat.