Hamilton, Ontario’s 2-cat per household law is in the spotlight again; this time advocates are emphatically pushing forward to find a solution that will end animal service’s dramatically high euthanasia rates.
On Saturday, protesters gathered outside Hamilton City Hall, holding signs that begged local animal services to “stop the slaughter.” Many think Hamilton may have the worst euthanasia rate in Ontario — of the 5,0000 that come through animal services’ doors every year, only 2,000 survive.
Many outdoor household pets have been picked up and euthanized by the time the owner realized their companion had been sitting at animal services for the 3-day waiting period (not counting the day they arrive) they allow before putting the cats down.
Local cat advocates have identified some of the major causes for the high kill rate:
- The 2-cat per household minimum means more cats remain unadopted while families who have the means to care for them could offer a loving home.
- The cats housed at animal services are not available for adoption. Their only future is 1) SPCA (which can only hold 20 cats at a time) 2) other rescue groups 3)euthanization
- There is no effective low-cost/high-volume spay/neuter clinic in the area. The SPCA recently introduces a TNR (trap/neuter/return) program, but the city isn’t working with them, perpetuating cat overpopulation in the area.
Last weekend’s protest isn’t the end of the local advocacy efforts. On September 30th, those interested will attend a lecture by Bill Bruce, manager of Calgary Animal Services. They are hoping to glean practical advice from Calgary’s success in effectively dropping euthanasia rates to the single digits.
Related Story:
Crystal and Her Babies Help in Plea to Change Practices at Hamilton, ON Animal Control
I hope they will change the rules. Are there options for low-cost spaying/neutering in Hamilton? Our local SPCA offers it to low-income pet owners.
2 cats per household? glad I don’t live there!
2 cats per household is redonk. What happens when people with 2 cats each get together? I used to live there, but glad I’m in Winnipeg now.
What kind of stupid law is that? And what kind of perverse legislators put that in place?
2 cat rule….sad
Why just cats? I am sick and tired of cats getting such a bad rap while dogs can bark at all hours, defecate in our front lawns, bite and yes…produce unwanted litters as well. I think it is just a conspiracy against cats personally.
Personally I’d vote to euthanize the country of Canada, but if we could just remove the humans from Ontario, it would be a start! =P
shame on them!!!!!
I had always thought of Canadians as being a bit more intelligent than that
Knowning Hamilton is doing this to both cats and people, makes me look down on them! ( Town officials, not the people)