OSPCA: Cornwall’s homeless cats “crisis situation”

OSPCA: Cornwall’s homeless cats “crisis situation”
TC Media file photo.

CORNWALL, Ontario – In a letter to local media, the OSPCA of SD&G is calling on the City of Cornwall to form a Municipal Community Animal Management Strategy.

The full letter can be read here.

In the letter, the OSPCA states that the homeless cat, or as they call them “community cats” has been challenging, but that the problem has recently spiked.

“The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society continues to provide resources to the City of Cornwall to assist city officials in meeting the urgent needs of community animals,” the letter reads. “We will continue to provide resources including food, litter and transition cages to support community efforts.”

The letter goes on to say that there are 170 community cats that are being currently cared for in the homes of private residents, but that this will not fix the problem.

The OSPCA calls on the City to support residents who are trying to lessen the burden by taking in community cats and states that the City should “lead the emergency response efforts by providing appropriate sheltering space and financial resources to resolve the current issues.”

The OSPCA also states in the letter that it will be undertaking efforts of its own to address the cat problem.

“All adoptable cats currently being sheltered at our local site will be transferred to other animal care centres throughout the province for adoption, making space for urgent sheltering needs,” the letter reads. “Ontario SPCA Rescue & Relief Services vehicles will arrive in Cornwall to accept community cats and kittens from residents currently fostering these animals and transfer the animals for adoption into forever homes. Treatment needed by these cats and kittens, including spaying/neutering procedures, will be provided by the Ontario SPCA in advance of the pets being adopted, ensuring that future litters are prevented.”

As recently as last week, Cornwall City Council received a petition from residents of Bergin Ave. demanding help with their feral cat problem.

“The feeding and and breeding has brought an overwhelming population of these feral cats to our neighbourhood,” the petition reads. “The amount of cat feces and urine in our yards poses a health risk to our children, pets and the enjoyment of our property. We are seeking the trapping and removal of these feral cats by proper authorities.”

In a coversation with Seaway News one week ago City By-Law officer Chris Rogers stated that he had been working with the OSPCA to find a solution to the issue and he also explained that at that time the OSPCA was at capacity.

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