The BC SPCA is launching a new spay/neuter grant competition that will help communities across British Columbia address the tragedy of pet overpopulation. Through a $75,000 legacy from a compassionate BC SPCA donor who was concerned about the suffering of homeless cats, the SPCA will be distributing grants of $2,500, $5,000 and $7,500 to municipalities and First Nations communities to assist low-income cat owners and individuals and groups who care for free-roaming cats. The grants will be available to, and administered by, registered animal charities, municipalities, veterinarians, First Nations governments and First Nations tribal councils. “We are pleased to launch this initiative to help reduce cat overpopulation in B.C. communities,” says BC SPCA chief executive officer Craig Daniell. “Each year thousands of cats and kittens are dropped off at SPCA shelters or simply abandoned by their guardians in public areas. By providing communities with spay/neuter support we believe we can reduce the number of unwanted litters and help end the suffering of homeless cats.” Successful applicant organizations must meet various criteria in order to be eligible for funding, including evidence of a community problem with homeless and unwanted cats, the ability to match funds within the community and the participation of a veterinarian willing to discount his or her services. “Even if applicants don’t fully meet all the criteria, we still encourage them to apply,” says Daniell. “We want to see an end to cat overpopulation in our province and this program is designed to stimulate local solutions tailored to each community.” The BC SPCA spends more than $2 million a year on spay/neuter initiatives across the province, including the provision of free and low-cost spay/neuter operations through SPCA clinics in Vancouver, Prince George and Kamloops and by ensuring that every cat, dog and rabbit leaving the SPCA is sterilized prior to adoption. To apply for a community spay/neuter grant, or for more information, visit spca.bc.ca/catgrant and download the application guide.