Editor:
Presently there is quite a furore in the City of Merritt concerning the many abandoned and feral cats who have been almost ignored and so have been allowed to reproduce. The one lone person attempting humane treatment of these animals is Angie Koczkur of Nicola Valley Animal Rescue, but her efforts are very hampered by those who do not understand the benefit of the trap, neuter, return (TRN) programs used throughout the world now.
About 15 years ago, Happy Cat Haven was faced with the problem of an owner of acreage in Pender Harbour who had allowed his cats to multiply to more than 100 Although, initially being truly dismayed, our TNR program was started at once.
With the strong support and aid of both Atlas Animal Hospital in Sechelt and Dr. Lorne Carroll of Sechelt Animal Hospital, as the months passed this problem was resolved. We have continued to feed and provide some vet care to these cats and other ferals on that land all these years.
In 2011, the property owner died and this land was sold. Presently, the caretaker along with the remaining cats and the previous owner's dogs, all of whom Happy Cat Haven continues to feed and vet, will be moving elsewhere.
Over the years we have been able to humanely protect the many cats belonging to cat 'hoarders' but now we are faced without space to do so. Is there a good hearted person who owns acreage anywhere between Egmont and Port Mellon or beyond who could let us use or lease a small portion to house and feed these needy cats?
If there is such a kind soul out there somewhere, we will certainly do the rest!
Violet Winegarden
Happy Cat Haven
