One of the concerns for LAWS and all animal welfare organizations across the country is the huge cat and kitten population. Every year thousands of cats and kittens needlessly die or are euthanized and this number could be drastically reduced if cats were spayed and neutered. There are a number of reasons given by people for not spaying or neutering their cats and one of them is cost. To this end LAWS is introducing SNAP, a Spay Neuter Assistance Programme.

Many people who live on or below the poverty line can offer a loving home to a cat, coping with the regular costs of food and litter, but cannot afford the necessary spay or neuter. Inevitably the cute little kittens will become females who will go into heat or become pregnant with unwanted kittens and the males start producing strong urine or spraying. Unable to deal with these problems the cats may reluctantly be taken to the Shelter by their owners.

Initially, 10 vouchers per month will be issued. We welcome donations and will be fundraising specifically for SNAP.

To apply for the program, the following conditions must be met:

• You must be a resident of Lanark County.
• You must have a proven family income of less than $30,000 per year.
• You must provide proof of all vaccinations required for spay/neuter. Please confirm with your vet what is required prior to scheduling spay/neuter.
• ONLY written (P.O. Box 156, Smiths Falls, ON K7A 4T1) or emailed (SNAP@LANARKANIMALS.CA) applications will be considered.
• The Voucher will cover the cost of the surgery, but any other expenses will be the responsibility of the applicant.

Dogs will also be included in the program.

All applications will be reviewed, initially we will be focusing on spaying and neutering cats due to the high number of cats and kittens entering the shelter. Finances permitting, we will be able to increase the number of cats and dogs we can help, and hopefully reduce the number of homeless animals.

Melanie Young, Animal Welfare Advocate.

Click here to download the application