The Band City Stray Cat Rescue and Protection Society — SCRAPS — is always working behind the scenes to control the population of stray cats in Moose Jaw, through their trap, neuter, and release program.
The TNR program is a humane method of limiting the repopulation of stray cats by capturing and spaying or neutering the animals before releasing them. The average cat is able to bear kittens at four months of age and can have three litters per year, usually of about four kittens each, which is why overpopulation of feral cats is a problem in Canada.
Volunteers are always appreciated.
SCRAPS uses the TNR program to limit the birth of untamed cats and also to vaccinate and treat strays for disease, which protects the community from things like rabies. The cats they capture, once treated at a local vet, are put through a socialization program and offered for adoption, or released back into the wild if they are deemed too feral.
Anne Marciszyn, one of SCRAPS' volunteers, finds the program to be beneficial for both the animals and the people of Moose Jaw. Cats that are rescued and of a good disposition are offered for adoption through SCRAPS and Pet Valu, or the Humane Society.
“People don't realize there's a problem because cats are elusive and they're scared of people so they hide a lot, and they come out at night. People don't realize how many [stray] cats are out there,” said Marciszyn. “If we have space, we'll put them into our foster care system, and then we just kind of try and find a home for them down the road.
“If you adopt a cat, you save a life, but if you support trap, neuter, return, you actually save generations.”
The charitable organization is run entirely on volunteers and sponsorship, and uses fundraising to cover the medical and organizational costs of their rescue program.
Currently, SCRAPS is putting together their first ever PETstravaganza event — which Marciszyn describes as a pet expo.
“Everything from veterinary clinics will be there, different animal rescues will be joining us, multiple other rescues and vendors,” said Marciszyn. “We're pretty excited about that event because it'll bring all animal welfare groups together, a lot of vendors that will be promoting animal type, activities or products.”
Pet owners are welcomed to bring their pets to the event, with a waiver signed upon entry. The event is also still looking for vendors, and table rentals are currently $15 for rescues and $30 for merchandisers until Apr. 15, at which time the price will go up to $25 and $50 respectively.
PETstravaganza will take place on June 1, at the Exhibition Grounds, and those interested in registering for a table can email SCRAPS at PETstravaganzaMJ@gmail.com.
SCRAPS maintains an active Facebook page, which is always updated with information about fundraising activities. Questions about the organization can be directed to either 306-693-0718, or 306-684-9048.
