CBC News:
The Regina Humane Society plans to take pet sterilization to low-income neighbourhoods using a mobile veterinary service.
The proposal, which has been endorsed by city administrators, goes to a committee of city council Wednesday for approval.
According to background materials on the plan, the Humane Society, which provides animal control services for Regina, is forced to destroy between 2,000 and 2,500 animals a year.
Agency statistics show 80 to 85 per cent of the unsterilized animals running loose in Regina are in low-income neighbourhoods, the humane society says in a report to the community and protective services committee.
The society is asking the city for $147,300 a year to support a mobile clinic and to subsidize free spay and neuter services.
The mobile service, which would be governed by standards of the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association, would be set up in shopping centre parking lots, parks, and in Regina's North Central and Heritage communities.
The free sterilization of pets would be available to animal owners with low incomes.
"Cost is a big barrier for many families," Lisa Koch, a spokeswoman for the Regina Humane Society, told CBC News. "It is statistically proven that people living in low income situations or in poverty have a higher instance of unsterilized animals."
Koch said the society's kennels are filled to capacity. As of Friday, she said, the shelter was looking after 309 strays, one-third of them kittens.
According to the society, about four out of 10 animals taken into the shelter end up being destroyed.
Please call your city councillor to show your support for this mobile unit. City councillor phone numbers can be found on the City of Regina webpage.
People For Animals supports this mobile unit as it will help decrease the number of stray and homeless cats of Regina!
-Michelle
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