Cat populations increase at Winnipeg shelters

Winnipeg's animal shelters arefilled to capacity with homeless catsand warn the problem could get worse as the city's stray population breeds, officials say.

D'Arcy Johnston, owner of the animal rescue centre D'Arcy's A.R.C., said the stray population will increase as the weather warms up.

"There's literally thousands of homeless animals on the street right now and it's30 C out there," he said. "By spring, you're looking at anywhere from 50,000 to 80,000 homeless animals on the street."

Johnston said his no-kill shelter is at capacity with more than 125 cats, and predicts it will only get worse.

"In March, we're going to see an influx of kittens coming in and where are they going to go? The shelters are all full."

He said the city has to start enforcing its own bylaws in order to control the stray cat population.

"We have a bylaw in place in this cityyou have to spay or neuter your pet within six months. It's not being enforced."

At the Winnipeg Humane Society, officials are hoping to find homes for many needy felines in the coming months.

The shelter is running a promotionWhisker Wednesdayswhen some adult cats can be adopted for just $25.

"Summer is always our busiest time for cats," said spokesperson Judy Dean. "It breaks our heart when we get our numbers up so that's why this event is so great so we can empty out some cages now."

Dean said she hopes the promotion will help make space for the expected influx of spring kittens.