
R.J. Ballot, (left) executive director and co-founder of the Canadian Animal Task Force (CATF) and Tammy Pfiefer go over the intake of cats on Oct. 4 at the Coronation Curling Rink. Of the estimated 250 cats brought into the clinic, 168 of them were spayed or neutered. Eighty cats were relinquished into CATF care. ECA Review/ C.Bowman
Municipal Cat Care and Management Project, an approved expense at the regular Coronation town council meeting on Sept. 10 for $12,500 took place Oct. 4 – 6 at the Coronation curling rink.
R.J. Ballot, executive director and co-founder of The Canadian Animal Task Force (CATF), oversaw the operations. Ballot explained that a survey is sent to residents before the task force arrives, asking where feral cats are located. The task force then maps the areas within the town and rural locations and sets live traps to capture feral cats.
The cats are brought to a makeshift clinic and assessed for their health and well-being. Each animal is carefully documented by its capture location, allowing it to be reintroduced into its original community.
During the spay and neuter clinics, the team sets up a MASH-style surgical unit to safely spay and neuter, tattoo, vaccinate and deworm the cats. Once treated, a small notch is cut into the cat’s ear for easy identification from a distance.
Of the estimated 250 cats that passed through the clinic during the weekend, 168 spay or neuter surgeries were performed. More than 80 cats and kittens were relinquished to CATF care and placed with partner rescue organizations. Six fixed cats also received additional medical care.
CATF, a registered charity based in Calgary, has seven staff members and a large network of volunteers who help capture, care for and transport animals. Licensed veterinarians and certified veterinary technologists perform surgeries during the clinic.
In 2023 the organization placed 10,779 animals in partner organizations for rehoming.
The task force has over 704 active volunteers and has spayed or neutered 24,220 animals in 2023.
CATF holds a special license, issued by the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) for a “Temporary Veterinary Facility” which allows it to hold clinics in community halls, gymnasiums or other venues.
Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia reporter
ECA Review