Hello all,

We are still waiting to hear when the mandatory spay/neuter bylaw will be on the agendas of both Esquimalt and Colwood council meetings.  Until that happens we would like to canvas our supporters to find out what has been happening in the last few months.  We’d like to hear from all of you in order to be best prepared for our meetings with council. 

We have heard reports from some groups that the numbers of cats/kittens coming in is down - so much so that some groups are importing cats from other jurisdictions.  We know that population changes are seasonal so please let us know if your numbers have changed from this time last year. 

1)    Are you finding any changes in the numbers of people asking for financial assistance with spay/neuter surgery?  

2)   Has there been any change in the number (more/fewer/same) of animals being brought to your group? 

3)   Are adoptions up/down/same? 

4)   Are you noticing any trends?

5)   Has your group brought in cats/kittens from other jurisdictions?

For those of you who work with feral colonies have there been any changes in these populations?  Are more cats appearing in your colonies?

We would love to think that the overall numbers of abandoned and surrendered cats is on the decline.   With ‘kitten season’ just around the corner, we need to be as prepared as possible to continue to push for the mandatory spay/neuter bylaw.

We know that you are all very busy, but if at all possible, could you send an email to Virginia Bennett with any information you can give us, by March 28. 

Thank you for your help.

Virginia Bennett and Anna Becker

Spay/Neuter Action Committee