Hamilton/Burlington SPCA Cat Crisis Update

Increased Adoptions Alleviate Crisis
But More Homes Are Still Needed

July 23, 2009 ~ Last week the Hamilton Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA) launched a public campaign to bring attention to the severe cat overpopulation crisis in our communities. “Since that time there has been a marked increase in the number of cat adoptions from our shelter” said Jim Sykes, CEO.

In the past week cat adoptions at the HBSPCA increased to 42, compared to 24 in the same period last year. There are, however, still dozens of healthy cats ready for adoption and the crisis continues. “The good news is that by having 42 cats adopted out, when typically we would only see 3 or 4 cats re-homed in a weekend, we have been able to save nearly twenty more lives by creating room for our adoptions team to rescue that many more cats,” added Sykes.

The Hamilton Burlington SPCA is a zero euthanasia shelter meaning that animals in its care are never euthanized due to a lack of space. Unfortunately with the sheer number of cats in the community that are not spayed or neutered, coping with the cat overpopulation crisis is an on-going challenge.

While some cats in animal shelters have been surrendered by their owners, many are strays that have no form of traceable identification, making it extremely difficult to contact their rightful owners. In addition to registering a lost pet on PetLynx , individuals who have lost a pet are urged to visit their local SPCA and/or animal control agency in person and view the cats currently in their care.

The Cat Came Back

"The Cat Came Back" is no longer just the title of a folk song... it's a true story with a happy ending for one grateful pet family living in Edmonton, Alberta.

"We are so happy to announce that 'The Cat Came Back'," wrote the N family in a recent HomeSafe blog posting. "Although it took three days, we are delighted to say that Trixi arrived home in the middle of the third night [after she went] missing. We are overjoyed! Thanks for all your help and good luck to all who are looking for their little loved ones."

At PetLynx, we were happy to hear that Trixi arrived HomeSafe! We are pleased when pet families take the time to share their happy tales with us. 'Found' pet stories like this provide inspiration and hope to others who are waiting for news of their missing animal companions.


Welcome back home Trixi!

Local Service Providers: Edmonton Animal Services, Parkland Animal Services

Pet Insurance

Top 10 Wild Animals That Attack Pets
Pet Insurance Claim Stats Reveal Facts on Animal Attacks

Whether your pet is lost or home safe with you, he or she could be at risk of attack — from land, sea, and even air! Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), one of the oldest and largest providers of pet health insurance in the United States, recently reviewed more than 500 laceration/bite wound claims to determine which wild animals most frequently attacked and injured companion animals in 2008.

In addition to the usual suspects — snakes, coyotes and raccoons — VPI received claims for pet injuries caused by a squirrel, scorpion, javelina (a feral pig-like omnivore), porcupine, ground hog, skunk, rat, goat, beaver, woodchuck, black bear, cougar, hawk, rabbit, sea urchin, and jellyfish.

Top 10 Animals That Attack Pets

1. Snake
2. Coyote
3. Raccoon
4. Squirrel
5. Scorpion
6. Javelina
7. Porcupine
8. Ground Hog
9. Skunk
10. Rat

Wild animal attacks typically result in pet insurance claims for treatment of lacerations, bite wounds, punctures and soft tissue trauma. Snakebites may require anti-venom and scorpion stings may cause allergic reactions requiring antihistamines. Treatment protocols vary depending on the severity of the attack and costs can range from hundreds of dollars for bandages or stitches to thousands of dollars for surgery for damaged organs or broken limbs.

"Whether in urban or rural areas, pet owners should be aware of the danger posed by wild animals," said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. "Our company’s data reveals that not all members of the animal kingdom observe backyard fences, or appreciate the curiosity of a pet that may enter their territory. Always make sure that a pet's rabies vaccine is up to date and if you know that potentially dangerous wild animals are present, or you're in an unfamiliar area, take extra care to keep your pet close and secure."

Miraculously, Dory's home!

I wanted to thank you for this incredible web-site and the work that goes on behind the scenes to enable pet lovers like me and countless others to do everything possible to try to find their lost and loved pets.

I put her out to do her business as usual on Saturday night, about 9:30. She always just walks about 30 feet away, does her business, then is anxious to get back in again, usually whining at the back door. After 10 minutes of being on the phone, I checked the door to let her in, but no Dory. I went out with a flashlight and scouted around until midnight, driving up the long farm lane, into the fields...everywhere I could think of looking....no Dory. The barns were checked, upstairs and down, the garage, the woodshed.....nothing, not a trace. No barks, whimpers, nothing was heard.

I woke this morning with the idea of having one more good look through the waist high weedy field, taking my walking stick to thrash the path before me. No luck. Then as I walked back to the house, I heard a familiar yelp.....like a parent recognizes their kids voices, I too recognized the yelp of Dory. With my hat, glasses and walking stick, she was unsure as to who I was when I walked up to her, and I could hardly believe my eyes! She was stressed and thirsty, but ever so glad to see me and come in the house to flake out.

So, I want to thank you and all those that you work with there, for the PetLynx site. After filing a lost dog report with you, I had 3 alerts within a few hours, none of which were Dory of course, but the help your site offered was incredible! Thank you!

I don't know how much longer we'll have Dory with us, but we're thankful she's home again, none the worse for wear, nothing that a fresh bowl of water, a good meal and lots of rest won't fix.


Thank you so very much! I'll be sure to tell others about your website.

Rejoicing today in a much loved pet's homecoming!

W in Caledonia

Local Service Providers: Hamilton Burlington SPCA, Hamilton Humane Society, The Cat Clinic, City of Hamilton Animal Control