Haley, a volunteer at the Winnipeg Humane Society, holds “Miracle Mike” during a one-day cat sale in this 2011 file photo. (TED GRANT / CHRISD.CA)
The City of Winnipeg is proposing all cat owners license their felines to generate revenue for the Winnipeg Humane Society and help control overpopulation.
The proceeds from the cat licensing program — which wouldn’t come into effect until January 1, 2014 — would fund the shelter’s stray and feral cat spay/neuter programs and partner spay/neuter programs.
“Cat licensing will protect more cats with a license tag and provide a revenue stream for enhanced spay/neuter programs,” said Animal Services COO Leland Gordon. “Both dogs and cats affect neighbourhood livability and place a strain on area animal shelters. A license increases owner responsibility while adding value and protection to our feline companions.”
The program would require cat owners to purchase an annual cat license for a $15 fee for spayed/neutered cats and a $50 fee for intact cats. Failure to license a cat would result in a $250.00 fine, similar to the fine imposed for the failure to license a dog.
Licensing can often reunite pet owners with their furry friends through 311. In 2011, the call centre reunited 601 dogs wearing licenses without those dogs having to set foot in Animal Services.
