Backyard Colonies
Regina Cat Rescue's role in assisting private citizens in regards to “backyard colonies” can vary broadly. This document will clearly define what constitutes a “backyard colony” designation, the partnerships RCR may enter into with the operators of such colonies, and the conditions or requirements that must be considered before entering into partnerships.
A “backyard colony” within the body of this policy refers to a colony of cats, reported by a private citizen not affiliated with Regina Cat Rescue or any other animal welfare/control agency or organization at the point of contact.
More than one or a few cats are known to congregate in the location, over a significant time span. Regardless of whether a private citizen is feeding or providing shelter, as long as the cats are able to survive and remain in the area, establishing a home territory, it can be referred to as a “colony.”
Although community cats normally make up the majority of members of such colonies, abandoned, lost and stray tame cats may be attracted by the resident cats, or migrate to these sites in search of food and/or shelter and may be regarded as “colony cats.”
The colony may be located within Regina on private or commercial property, or may be located outside of the Regina city limits on an acreage or farm or commercial property, within a scope of about 25 kilometres from the city limits. (Note: Colonies located more than 25 kilometers from Regina are not automatically ineligible, but the logistics make options for partnering limited, and efforts should be made to refer to other agencies which are geographically nearby).
In the majority of requests/referrals, RCR volunteers will suggest private citizens become a member of RCR and will ask private citizens to share in the cost of sterilizations or make a donation to RCR.
RCR may elect to partner with the stabilization or maintenance of a backyard colony, if the situation is deemed serious enough that withholding involvement would be considered irresponsible or cause undue suffering to the feline colony residents. To illustrate, the following scenarios would be due cause for direct action or other intervention: 1) the population of a colony is large, with many pregnant females (i.e. impending “population explosion”), or 2) the conditions are dire enough that colony cats would be placed in jeopardy or suffer unduly (i.e. no food or shelter in harsh winter conditions). In such scenarios, the Community Cat Team and/or Pet Rescue Committee Leads and Board are bound to consult and make a decision and/or bring the case to the attention of the Board.
In cases where the scope of a proposed project appears to be beyond the resources, mandate or ability of RCR to fully manage, efforts may be made to alleviate the short-term threat to the feline colony residents through provision of shelters, food, or other interventions. If the decision is that RCR’s assistance can or will not be provided, then it is the responsibility of RCR to notify the Regina Humane Society Animal Control Unit or Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan if it is warranted.
On a case-by-case basis, the Community Cat Team and/or Pet Rescue Committee Leads will conduct assessments, formulate proposals, and then seek consultation and reach a decision of the Board regarding colony projects, operation or maintenance, including partnership or provisions of sterilizations or provisions of supplies on a long term basis.
RCR volunteers must conduct an inquiry and formulate an assessment of the backyard colony, performing a telephone interview/questionnaire at the very minimum. Volunteers must gather information on the history and scope of the colony including specifics such as goals for the colony, estimated numbers, sex, descriptions, age and temperaments, sterilization status of feline colony residents, and the current operation/maintenance practices. When a colony is in a rural location or large in scope, an on-site assessment is recommended. All assessments, regardless of how they are conducted, must address but are not limited to the following items:
Agreement to sterilize all existing cats and new cats to the colony by the private citizen caretaker
shelter considerations: adequate protection from the elements
reasonable safety: from predators or dogs, equipment, machinery
fresh water: heated water bowls are recommended
food: dry cat food with wet food supplement is recommended
veterinary care: provided when illness or injury warrants
goals and participation (financial, practical) of the applicant.
(Note: In some cases, RCR may be contributing resources to the project to enable the above requirements to be met)
RCR must perform a follow-up inquiry after the termination of the active phase of a partnership or project, and a physical re-assessment must be facilitated when indicated (depends on scope of the project).
RCR will offer goods or services to fulfil a project partnership as follows, either wholly or in partnership with the applicant (financial, practical), under certain conditions or with specific requirements in place as outlined within this policy. Each case is individual and will often require consultation among various Board and Committee members.
food, shelter, equipment or sterilization/veterinary care
practical advice for trapping or shelter construction
loan or provision of supplies such as heated water bowls, shelters, humane traps
provision of hands-on resources (volunteers) to assist in stabilizing a colony population, including trapping, transportation to veterinary clinic or relocation sites, on-site advisory role
facilitation of sterilizations or other veterinary care of colony cats
resources and space permitting for provision of boarding or foster care for tame cats or kittens associated with the colony
resources and space permitting for provision of adoption and screening/placement assistance for tame cats or kittens associated with the colony
issuance of tax receipts for food and veterinary care when colony caretaker provides and submits original sales receipts.
RCR will list the applicable details for all cats that have been trapped, sterilized and returned to a colony on the RCR Community Cat Registry which is periodically forwarded to the Regina Humane Society.