To help manage animal populations and bring basic animal wellness services to underserved communities, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society hosted a spay/neuter and wellness clinic in Muskoka from Oct. 2-4.
A total of 108 cats were spayed or neutered during the three-day event, which took place at JD Lang Activity Park in Bracebridge, preventing an estimated 6,600 potentially unplanned kittens. A total of 78 vaccines were also administered and 19 animals were microchipped during the MASH-style event.
The Ontario SPCA is committed to reaching underserved communities with its MASH-style spay/neuter and wellness clinics. These portable outreach events are designed to be easily packed up and transported to wherever they are needed, including remote communities.
“Our goal with this event was to make these basic animal wellness services more accessible to more people in our community,” says Leslie Barrie, Community Outreach Coordinator with the Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre. “We appreciate everyone who sees the value in spaying or neutering their animals to help reduce pet overpopulation and reduce the number of homeless animals who end up in shelters.”
As registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to help provide programs and services to the community. Special thanks to the Bracebridge Agricultural Society, which generously provided the facility for the event, as well as the District of Muskoka, which contributed $5,000 through its Muskoka Community Grant Program.
The Ontario SPCA would also like to thank local businesses, organizations and individuals who supported the event through sponsorship and in-kind donations, including the Baysville Community Group, Alternative Solutions, and the Bracebridge Lions Club, which generously provided funding; as well as Stevens’ Your Independent Grocer, Screamy’s Ice Cream, Urban Jars Muskoka, Oliver’s Coffee and Big River Baking Company, which kindly provided food and treats for the Ontario SPCA staff and volunteers.
For more information on the Ontario SPCA’s mobile animal wellness services, visit ontariospca.ca/mobileservices
