City officially launches TNR program for feral cats

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on August 16, 2024.

Medicine Hat’s first Trap-Neuter-Return program is now in effect.

The city announced Thursday it has approved a joint proposal submitted by the Medicine Hat SPCA and Persian Dreams & Canine Themes Rescue Society.

The program stems from the addition of subsection 38.1(1) to Bylaw 3935, the Responsible Animal Ownership Bylaw, at the Aug. 21, 2023 council meeting. The bylaw enables humane societies or affiliates to propose and administer TNR programs in the city.

TNR programs humanely trap feral cats and return them to the place they were trapped once spayed or neutered, and in good health. The programs are implemented as a means of effectively controlling feral cat populations.

As the approving authority, the city says they ensure TNR proposals follow the requirements outlined in the Responsible Animal Ownership Bylaw and they do not administer or fund TNR proposals. The public is asked to not trap cats. Cats brought into the SPCA by the public will not be accepted within the TNR program.

If residents spot a suspected feral cat in public, they are asked to contact bylaw enforcement at 403-529-8481. Bylaw will transport the cats to APARC, who will determine whether the animal is micro-chipped and has an owner.

The timeline and location of this newly-approved TNR operation will not be released for the safety of the animals and those involved in the program.