Resources fall short for our local animals
The Times
Published: Friday, October 03, 2008
Editor:
This past weekend we discovered a cat that had been roaming the area for the past while had kittens in the bushes behind our complex's parking lot. When we saw her with her kittens, we realized she did not have a home.
There are no posters in the area saying they are missing a black-and-white cat. Not wanting to see her and her kittens come to harm, I called the Maple Ridge SPCA to see if I could trap them and bring them in to get care (if needed) and homes. No such luck.
I was told our area (Pitt Meadows to Port Coquitlam) had no shelter. I asked them if they were not supposed to speak for those who could not? I asked if there was nothing they could do for me? They gave me the number to Katie's Place.
I was told the SPCA had just recently put to sleep some of the cats due to illness, and if I did bring these animals in they would most likely be put to sleep as well.
I am not wealthy, but I did catch two of the kittens and had them de-wormed. I will have their shots and have them spayed later. Of course I will have to give something up for this. I just don't have the money for the last two kittens and mom, nor do I have a home.
I think this is horrid that there is nothing I can do, save paying out of my own pocket money I don't have. Besides, I have no place for them. My place only allows two pets. I am very upset at the reaction from Maple Ridge's SPCA. I am horrified they still put many cats and kittens to sleep. I try and understand that what I took to be non-caring may have been frustration on the part of the gentleman I spoke to, but it is hard.
Is this the best we can do for our companion animals?
Brandy Trca,
Pitt Meadows