Medicine Hat’s first Trap-Neuter-Return program in effect

Medicine Hat – The first Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program in Medicine Hat’s history is now in effect after the City approved a joint proposal submitted by the Medicine Hat SPCA and Persian Dreams & Canine Themes Rescue Society.

TNR programs humanely trap feral cats and return them to the place they were trapped once spayed or neutered, and in good health. These programs are implemented as a means of effectively controlling feral cat populations.

This program is a result of the addition of subsection 38.1(1) to Bylaw 3935, the Responsible Animal Ownership Bylaw, at the August 21, 2023 City Council meeting. The bylaw enables humane societies or affiliates to propose and administer TNR programs in the city.

As the approving authority, the City of Medicine Hat ensures TNR proposals follow the requirements outlined in the Responsible Animal Ownership Bylaw. The City does not administer or fund TNR proposals.

The timeline and location of this newly-approved joint TNR operation will not be released for the safety of the animals and those involved in the program.

Please note, these two organizations will administer the program. The public is asked to not trap cats.  Cats brought into the SPCA by the public will not be accepted within the TNR program.

If residents spot a suspected feral cat in public, they are asked to contact Bylaw Enforcement at 403-529-8481. Bylaw will transport the cats to Alberta Pound & Rescue Centres (APARC), which will determine whether the animal is micro-chipped and has an owner.

The City would like to thank the Medicine Hat SPCA and Persian Dreams & Canine Themes Rescue Society for submitting this proposal. The City looks forward to sharing the outcomes of the project upon completion.

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