As kitten season pushes animal rescues to their limits, a Niagara-on-the-Lake volunteer group is stepping up with a spring fundraiser this Saturday to help ease the strain.
Tanya Rice is hosting her fifth annual planter and bake sale through her volunteer group, the Community Initiative for Animal Rescue, to raise money for two organizations: Angel’s Rest Dog Rescue and the Heart and the Hope of Lost and Found Pets Niagara.
On Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 456 Line 2 Rd., behind Crossroads School, visitors can shop for spring and Easter-themed planters ranging from $35 to $50, pick up homemade baked goods and donate to a pet food drive — all in support of animals in need. Rice will accept cash and debit.
The volunteer group focuses on helping rescue organizations cover the costs of animals’ needs, like spay and neuter efforts, vaccines, microchipping and foster care.
Rice said she always chooses one cat and one dog group to support at each fundraiser.
Donations of adult and senior canned dog and cat food, kitten and puppy food and kibble, litter, litter boxes, puppy training pads and Pet Valu gift cards are always needed, she said.
She suggests Fancy Feast — it’s high-quality, affordable and typically under $11 at Walmart, she said.
In addition to the sale and drive, Rice is running an Easter raffle at the Husky Travel Centre at 615 York Rd., with tickets available in the restaurant daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. until April 18.
The draw will be held that day at 3 p.m., with prizes including a custom spring floral arrangement worth $75, an artificial spring wreath worth $60 and a basket of Easter treats worth $50.
Volunteer Erika Buchkowsky said spring is a critical time for rescue efforts, as it marks the start of kitten season, when even young cats can get pregnant, often stretching cat rescue groups and foster homes to their limits.
“This is when the females go into heat,” she said. “Even young cats that are only six months old can get pregnant. So it could be kittens having kittens and they multiply.”
Rice said that while warm weather and a curious kitten might make the outdoors seem inviting, the risks could outweigh the appeal.
According to NOTL bylaws, if a resident keeps an animal outside for more than eight hours, they must provide shelter, shade, a dry resting area and a designated bathroom spot.
At all times, owners must also provide clean water, proper food, access to veterinary care, a clean living space and enough room and activity to keep their pets healthy.
But Rice said those conditions are not always met for outdoor cats — and even if they are, it’s not the only concern.
An outdoor cat risks being hit by a car, contracting diseases, or being attacked by other animals.
“People don’t understand when they just say, ‘Oh, my cat just goes out every once in a while,’” Rice said. “You put them in jeopardy of poor health.”
She also wants people to think twice before bringing home a bunny this season because every year, the group sees a wave of surrendered rabbits after Easter, she said.
Rice said she’s optimistic about this Saturday’s turnout, especially after her February fundraiser, which started as a simple effort to restock the pet pantry at Newark Neighbours but ended up helping even more than she expected.
“We did four organizations beyond Newark,” she said.
This weekend’s fundraiser is also supported by nearby sponsors, including Kauzlaric Family Farm, Bellyacres Farm, 2×4 Jam Co. and Coconut Quartz. Cheryl Chiarelli, the creator and curator of Coconut Quartz, will be on-site selling custom “We Love Pets” bracelets, with a portion of sales going to the cause.
