You might notice paw prints decorating local businesses this April. The Spay and Neuter Incentive Program (SNiP) is holding a fundraising campaign throughout the month giving customers of Barkside Pets, Big Bang Bagels, and Freshies a chance to support SNiP. Paw prints to write your name, or your pets name, will be available in exchange for a small donation. The paws will then be displayed on the walls of the businesses raising awareness and funds to go towards the spaying and neutering of cats in Fernie.
SNiP is made up of dedicated volunteers who fundraise and write grants to fund the spaying and neutering of feral or stray cats, and subsidize the cost of fixing domestic ones. Spring is just around the corner and it usually brings new kittens with it. The SNiP account is currently running low in funds and the financial need is great.
In just one year, a fertile cat can have up to three litters, with an average of 4.3 kittens per litter. Given the statistics for fertility, mortality, and gender ratio, just one unsprayed female and her partner can result in 25 kittens born each year. Since SNiP began in early 2013, it has issued enough vouchers to fix over 75 cats and they'd like to keep contributing to Fernie's feral cats and kittens.
SNiP is asking everyone to support the April Paw Campaign in any small way they can. There are also a few different ways to contribute to SNiP: donate your recyclables at the Fernie Bottle Depot to the Fernie Pets account, make a donation in one of the SNiP jars located around town, volunteer, or become a foster parent.
SNiP would like to remind people to spay and neuter their pets. The life of a feral cat or kitten is scary, dangerous, and often ends tragically. For more information, contact Jenn Woods at spayneuterferniepets@gmail.com.