ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The City of St. John’s is making changes to its low-cost cat spay and neuter program to make it more accessible to low-income households.
The goal is to decrease cat overpopulation in the city.
Right now, to avail of the program, families must earn $25,000 or less, or be age 65 or older and receiving the guaranteed income supplement.
Council voted on Wednesday to bring the requirements in line with the SPCA, meaning combined family net income must be $40,000 or less, or single net income must be $25,000 or less.
The city’s fees are lower than typical veterinary fees for the service. For male cats, the city charges $135, and for females it’s $140, taxes included.
Applications will also be permitted any time, rather than the previous specified time periods, and are on a first come, first served basis.
Council’s vote on Wednesday is the first step in making this change. A final vote by council at an upcoming regular meeting is required before the changes take effect.
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