By Nathalie Seguin
Cats at the Humane Society of Ottawa-Carleton have a lot to meow about.
Feline euthanasia rates fell 11 per cent in the first six months of 1998, according to a Humane Society report. This means over 500 more cats were saved during this period than in the first half of 1997. A rise in adoptions and foster program participation contributed to the decrease.
“When you consider that a lot of the cats that come in are feral, are not adoptable or have been very injured, the drop is incredible,” says Louise Hindle, executive director of the Humane Society.
Despite the recent drop, 48 per cent of the 6,000 cats brought to the shelter last year were euthanized.
“We would like to limit the euthanasia to (sick and injured cats) so we don’t have it for an animal just because it’s unwanted,” Hindle says.
The Humane Society is lowering its euthanasia rate through a variety of programs, such as the Pet Adoption program.
For about four years, the Humane Society has provided participating pet stores with cats to offer additional and more accessible adoption locations to the public.
The pet stores involved in this plan do not benefit financially from the adoptions and follow the same questionnaire and interview screening procedures as the Humane Society.
“In lowering the euthanasia rate, the pet-store program is incredible because we adopt more cats out in the community than we do in the shelter,” Hindle says.
James O’Heare, supervisor at Little Farm pet store in Rideau Centre, agrees.
“I think we get a lot more people through the store so we can get homes for them faster,” O’Heare says.
On average, O’Heare says the store handles three or four adoptions a week. He estimates hundreds of cats have found homes through the program which started several years ago at this location.
Not all of the cats at the shelter can be placed immediately for adoption. Rescue and foster programs supported by a network of volunteers help with rehabilitation.
The rescue program helps place special needs and older animals in suitable homes for long-term care. Foster homes serve as a place for sick cats to recuperate before returning to the shelter for adoption.
Gail Rodgers cared for many cats and dogs since she joined the program three years ago by taking in a pregnant cat that was going to be euthanized.
She estimates most of the animals stayed with her for an average of four months.
Even though their stay is temporary, Rodgers says “it is the difference between putting an animal to sleep or up for adoption.”