Citizens of Basse-Saint-Laurent go so far as to pay thousands of dollars to feed, and sometimes sterilize, stray cats that end up on their property.
Many organizations and citizens strongly condemn the inaction of municipalities and governments.
The same situation is in Mont Carmel, in Kamouraska. Jeannette Bossuet feeds about a dozen cats, sometimes in poor condition, that come to her house every day.
“They are hungry, hungry, injured. These are cats seeking shelter,” says Ms. Bossuet. “When people understand that everything requires sterilization, we will have solved half the problem.”
Problem for the farmer
Farms also always find themselves with abandoned cats.
“I think it is a big problem that cannot be solved,” says one agricultural producer, who preferred to remain anonymous, for fear of being forced by MAPAQ to get rid of her 20 cats.
Throughout the year, but especially on July 1, new animals are left on her doorstep.
Out of her love for animals and peace of mind, she chose to pay about $5,000 over the past five years to sterilize a large number of cats on her farm.
“I invested out of my own pocket. A lot of people think I'm tired of doing this, but at some point you won't have a choice. Overpopulation doesn't take long for people to mate. It's two and a half months pregnant, a cat. If she has “Six cats, in one year, it adds up quickly.”
“I am the only supplier in the area”
A Turville woman has spent thousands of dollars in recent years rescuing about a hundred cats.
“I'm the only supplier in the area. Everyone calls me. If I don't go, they say they'll get rid of him the old-fashioned way,” says Manon Deschênes. She picks them up, sterilizes them and socializes them if necessary, before putting them up for adoption at the CARA store in La Bocatiere.
“I've sounded the alarm several times because I don't have any resources,” says the woman, who says she is out of breath.
It also has to fight against MAPAQ, because it does not have the necessary permits to be considered a shelter. Last year, she received two fines totaling $2,500.
“Instead of giving me resources and helping me find a solution, they impose fines on me,” the woman says sadly.
She challenged the Quebec government
There is a need to reform animal management in Quebec, especially by Cat Protection Organization.
“We have passed animal welfare laws, but we are in a state of uncertainty because municipalities are not even equipped to respond to them. There are no regulations for some regarding feral cats,” declared President Sarah Gauthier-Kérouac.
The non-profit organization, based in Quebec, is trying to raise awareness and wants to raise the voice of animals, especially stray and abandoned cats. Officials provide valuable assistance, in particular to Manon Deschênes, from Tourville.
“It's bigger than us, the shelters, the rescuers and the organizations right now… we need help from the government,” she continues. “Behind all this, there is also a lot of humanitarian distress, citizens without resources. We see distress on the ground. »
“There are laws for feral cats, but why aren't they enforced? It hurts my heart, it really hurts me, because no one can do anything,” adds Janet Bossuet.
“It's a collective problem,” says Manon Deschênes.
Everyone has the same message: municipalities and the government must invest and find solutions.
“I want to send an SOS. It is not just one person who will take care of him. This must include all residents and all municipalities,” Ms. Bossuet appeals.
“Who will help me help them, if everyone is throwing the ball?” Ms. Deschenes asks.
Many also regret that the SPA project that was scheduled to see the light in Rivière-du-Loup has been abandoned, due to a lack of support from the municipalities. The promoters wanted the organization to serve the entire KRTB.
