An infusion of grant funding will help the North Peace SPCA offer a free spay and neuter program for low-income cat owners.

The SPCA was approved for a grant through BC Hydro's GO Fund program as part of the Site C dam project. The SPCA has matched that grant, providing the local branch with a total of $20,000 in funding to cover the cost of 150 spay and neuter surgeries.

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“Spaying and neutering prevents unwanted and unplanned litters, which contribute to cat overpopulation," branch manager Candace Buchamer said in a news release.

"Our small shelter has seen a significant increase in cat intake in recent years and we rely heavily on the BC SPCA Drive for Lives program to assist the amount of cats in need. Our hope is that this funding will start turning the tide."

Cats that get a surgery will be also microchipped, and cat owners will receive a one-year registration to the BC Pet Registry, which lists contact information for all microchipped pets that can be used to reunite lost pets with their owners.

Email Managing Editor Matt Preprost at editor@ahnfsj.ca.