Low-cost, spay-neuter clinics work, OSPCA head says

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is expressing interest in setting up a low cost spay and neuter clinic in Thunder Bay.

The head of the OSPCA said the organization wants to expand its spay and neuter services across the province, particularly in northern Ontario.

"We are all very excited and very focused on how we can do this, and how soon we can do this, because certainly the indications we've got from the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society is that the service is very much needed,” said Kate MacDonald.

MacDonald said existing clinics in southern Ontario have proven effective in reducing the number of animals that end up in shelters.

The OSPCA CEO has been in Thunder Bay to speak at the annual general meeting of the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society.

The visit is also an opportunity to talk with the humane society about the possibility of a low cost spay and neuter clinic.

Gathering support for clinic

Last year, the OSPCA received new funding from the province — $5.5 million annually — which will allow the group to expand its spay/neuter service.

The OSPCA already operates or supports a number of clinics in southern Ontario, and one will soon open in North Bay.

MacDonald said the clinics are effective, as fewer stray animals are coming into their shelters in those communities.

“So we now have the evidence that the high-volume spay and neuter model does work,” she said.

“We know how to do it, and now it’s just a matter of working with our partner here in the north — The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society — to determine what sort of support there will be in the community for such a facility."

MacDonald said they want to find out how much public support there would be for a clinic in Thunder Bay, and how it would best be set up.