MEDIA ADVISORY February 16, 2009

MAVERICK CAT COALITION MOUNTS ANNUAL SPAY EVENT FOR FERAL CATS FEBRUARY 20 TO 22ND, 2009

Vancouver, B.C. – The Maverick Cat Coalition once again teams up with the BCSPCA for an annual feral cat spay and neuter drive, February 20 – 22nd, 2009. The B.C.-based volunteer organization of cat lovers mounts this annual trap weekend in Vancouver and Burnaby to painlessly capture feral cats and deliver them to local vets and their staff volunteering at the SPCA hospital. After a health assessment, vaccinations, and fixing, the cats are returned to their home locations in the wild (unless deemed unsafe). Feral cats, that have had little or no contact with humans, or that may have been a previous tame cat that has become lost and reverted to a "wild" state in order to survive, are an ongoing concern in the Lower Mainland. Found in urban areas such as parks, residential neighbourhoods, and commercial districts, it is estimated that there are as many feral and stray cats roaming outside as there are owned cats, and many of them are unfixed. In the Lower Mainland, with its moderate climate, there is a reduced chance that cats will freeze during winter and people are more likely to dump their cats outside, contributing to the problem. Since 2005, the Coalition has teamed with other local cat rescue organizations, veterinary staff donating time and talent, volunteers from the general public, and the BCSPA, for this weekend event that improves the situation and lifespan of feral cats and cat colonies. The Maverick Cat Coalition, inspired by author Ellen Perry Berkeley’s book, is a federally registered charitable organization dedicated to providing protection, care, comfort and shelter to wild (feral), stray domestic and companion cats. Utilizing a trap, neuter/spay and return (TNR) program, the Maverick Cat Coalition works year-round to alleviate the suffering of homeless cats and help stabilize colonies to manageable levels. They also attend local events to educate the public, promote their work and encourage people to spay and neuter both pet and/or stray cats. Trapping commences on Friday, February 20th, with the spaying and neutering taking place before 8 a.m. on Sunday, February 22nd, 2009. Members of the public who want more information, are interested in volunteering or financially contributing to the group, or that need help with a feral cat situation, are invited to contact the Coalition via email at querymavcat@yahoo.ca, or by calling 604-87.... More details about the Maverick Cat Coalition can be found at www.maverickcat.com. -30- For more information, interviews, or to cover the event, please contact: Spokesperson: Maria Soroski, Vice-President (604) 671-5334 Media contact: Cylia Wong, Co-Founder and President (604) 831-8577