A free, upcoming pet event aims to raise awareness and funds to spay and neuter the city's growing population of feral cats.
More than 13 animal business owners, organizations, and individuals are collaborating to organize Prince Rupert's first Pet Expo at the Nisga'a Hall on Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Joe Griffith, a canine behaviourist at the upcoming event, will provide a 15-minute educational session on “Living with a Reactive Dog.”
He says the event donations and game proceeds will benefit not only feral cats but also low-income pet households.
“A lot of families that are in the low-income bracket can't afford spay and neuters, or surgeries for their animals, and when that happens, they're choosing to surrender. So we're starting to see more and more shelters fill up with animals all around the province, not just in Rupert,” said Griffith.
Participants can participate in various games, such as “Spin the Wheel” and “Count the Kibble,” by investing a toonie, five dollars, or ten dollars. Winners will receive prizes of different values, such as $400 worth of dog training sessions, dog spa services, or items such as dog jackets or collars.
Stalls will feature dog puzzles, animal merchandise, contests, face painting, a kids colouring station, and more.
Pet professionals will present on a variety of educational topics, such as pet nutrition and gut health. Dog training demonstrations will focus on teaching new skills through positive reinforcement, reducing reactivity, obedience training, and teaching tricks and dog agility.
A Reiki session will also be offered to help calm pets.
Additionally, attendees can watch demonstrations of dog grooming techniques, including dying fur in rainbow colours, and sessions on kitten and puppy care.
Griffith explains there are around 4,000 feral cats in Prince Rupert, and their population is rapidly increasing. A single female cat can have three litters a year, with an average of four kittens surviving each time. These kittens grow up and also breed, leading to an exponential growth in the population. If this continues, they expect feral cats to double over the next decade.
“So, sadly, it is highly unlikely we're going to get in front of it,” said Griffith.
The BC SPCA, Action for Animals, Pawz United Prince Rupert, and Port Edward Cat Rescue are four organizations involved in feral cat welfare in the area.
They use a method called TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) to manage this issue. This approach involves trapping feral cats, spaying or neutering them, then returning them to their original locations.
The organizations say it is crucial they go back where they came from to ensure they remain in familiar areas.
They also manage cat adoptions. The expo will discuss trap/neuter/release programs for feral cats.
“We've all seen the strays and ferals running around the street, some not so healthy, most cold and hungry. Let's come together and see if we can control the population just a little bit!,” said SnoutAbout Pet Services Prince Rupert on their Facebook page.
