Essex Spay-Neuter Voucher Program Beginning

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Starting on Monday, March 2nd, the Town of Essex will accept applications for spay and neuter vouchers from eligible Essex residents.

Those applying must be at least 18 years of age and resident for at least one year in the Town of Essex. Vouchers will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Each caregiver may apply for up to a maximum of three vouchers for feral cats. Low-income residents may apply for up to one owned dog and one owned cat.

Council has approved funding for 175 feral cat vouchers and 10 low-income vouchers valued at $75 each.  These vouchers can be used at participating veterinary clinics in Windsor and Essex County.

Due to the low uptake on spay and neuter vouchers for low income families in both 2013 and 2014, that program has been reduced to 10 vouchers and a Trap, Neuter and Release (TNR) program has been added. The Town’s Animal Control Officers will implement the TNR program to help slow the growth of colonies of feral cats in the municipality.

“Research shows that TNR programs are a humane and effective way of controlling the growth of feral cat populations,” says Donna Hunter, Director of Corporate Services.

“We have several colonies of feral cats in our municipality, one located in the downtown area of Essex Centre. We’re starting this year’s program over a month early in the hopes of reducing the nuisance behaviour associated with feral cats in the spring, like yowling, fighting and spraying, while also addressing the problem of overpopulation.”

Starting March 2nd, residents can request an application form by calling Town Hall at 519-776-7336.