Calgary is now providing free spay and neuter services for dogs and cats owned by low-income Calgarians. Applicants are screened to ensure their income fits the eligibility guidelines.

I applaud this city’s proactive approach to preventing hoards of unwanted pets. Instead of throwing money at dealing with the problem of overpopulation, (by hiring more bylaw officers to trap and euthanize many unwanted domestic animals,) and watching the population of half-starved feral cats grow, they are opting for an ultimately more cost-effective and humane method.

Why build expensive new shelters when a city could provide those least able to fix their pets with a free surgery? Calgary is bypassing any need of bigger and better shelters by stemming the problem at its main source; it can now continue to provide service to her strays with the existing facilities.

Thank you for your marvelous example, Calgary. I fervently hope Red Deer follows suit.

Janet Sigurdson

President, Paws and Claws Animal Rescue Foundation

Red Deer